Nets' Lopez to come off bench vs. Celtics

Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez will come off the bench again Friday in his second game since returning from a back injury.

Lopez, who missed eight straight games, returned Tuesday against the Denver Nuggets, but only played eight minutes in a 102-96 Nets win. 

In addition to the injury, Lopez has been maligned by coach Lionel Hollins for his lack of defensive effort this season. His replacement in the starting lineup, Mason Plumlee, is on a tear, averaging 18.1 points on near 68-percent shooting and 10.5 rebounds in his last seven games.

The Nets are in Boston visiting the Celtics.