National Basketball Association

Nets' Garnett, Kirilenko could return within week

Published Mar. 30, 2014 6:20 p.m. ET

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NEW YORK (AP) The Brooklyn Nets say Kevin Garnett is hoping to return from a back injury next weekend or during their trip to Florida on April 8-9.

Also, Andrei Kirilenko is progressing from his sprained left ankle and is hoping to return in the middle of next week, the Nets said before their game against Minnesota on Sunday.

Garnett has missed 16 straight games with back spasms, last playing Feb. 27 in a victory at Denver. The Nets have games next Friday and Saturday nights, then visit Miami on April 8 and Orlando the following night.

Coach Jason Kidd has said he doesn't think it's necessary that Garnett plays again in the regular season and would be fine if the veteran's next appearance is in the playoffs.