National Basketball Association

Nets F Yi needs 50 stitches to close cut lip

Published Dec. 12, 2009 8:31 p.m. ET

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Injured New Jersey Nets forward Yi Jianlian is expected to miss at least another week after needing 50 stitches to close a cut upper lip.

Yi was hoping to return Sunday after missing 15 games with a sprained right knee before he was inadvertently elbowed by teammate Sean Williams while playing 3-on-3 after practice on Saturday.

The Chinese Olympian will be evaluated next Monday.

``Sometimes these things work out for the best,'' coach Kiki Vandeweghe said before the Nets' game against the Knicks. ``He really wanted to get back, was very anxious to get back, so maybe he was hurrying himself a little bit and he'll be fully recovered when he gets back.''

Yi has been sidelined since injuring his knee in a game against Charlotte early last month. He is averaging 9.8 points and 7.5 rebounds.

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