Nets list Andrei Kirilenko out opening night, kind of

Andrei Kirilenko is officially listed as inactive on the Brooklyn Nets opening night roster, but still might play with the team on opening night.

After registering 43 minutes over the team’s first two preseason games, Kirilenko experienced back spasms, and has yet to play a full practice since. Kirilenko also said he felt the back tighten up during the team’s open practice on October 20th. He’s slated to practice in full with the team tomorrow before the team opens their season Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and coach Jason Kidd will re-assess Kirilenko’s status following that.

Kirilenko has dealt with back spasms numerous times throughout his career, most recently missing four games with spasms in November & December last season with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The team is allowed to change the roster up to an hour prior to game time, which means Kirilenko could get switched onto the active list any time before 6 P.M. Wednesday. Still, if he’s already listed as inactive, the team likely has a pessimistic view of his playing prospects.

If Kirilenko does in fact sit Wednesday, his first game might be the home opener Friday against LeBron James and the Miami Heat.

As important as Kirilenko on the inactive list: Deron Williams off it.

(h/t Andrew Keh)