With Nets starting guard Shaun Livingston sidelined for the second straight game, the Nets will replace him with small forward Andrei Kirilenko in the starting lineup, moving Joe Johnson back to the shooting guard position and playing Kirilenko alongside Paul Pierce.
The 6’9″, versatile Kirilenko may start off guarding Magic guard Arron Afflalo nonetheless, as Afflalo is the team’s best scorer and Kirilenko Brooklyn’s best perimeter defender.
One fun thought: Livingston originally replaced Brook Lopez in the team’s lineup, meaning that the Nets replaced a 7’2″ center with a 6’7″ point guard, who was then subbed out for a 6’9″ small forward. Versatility!
Deron Williams, Johnson, Pierce, and Kevin Garnett round out Brooklyn’s starting lineup. Jameer Nelson will sit for the Magic, with Magic rookie guard Victor Oladipo making his 42nd career start.
