Nets' Jack probable, Bogdanovic out Wednesday

The Brooklyn Nets continue to cling to a playoff seed in the Eastern Conference, a game up on three teams, but their upcoming stretch of games could well knock them off that perch.

Their next four pit them against the New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors, with the first three coming away from home as they close off a season-long eight-game road trip.

They may, however, get a big lift for Wednesday's contest against the Pelicans, as point guard Jarrett Jack's status has been upgraded to probable. Jack, who's averaged 16.4 points and 7.3 assists over his last 19 games, has missed the Nets' last two with a left hamstring strain.

Deron Williams returned to the starting lineup in Jack's stead and played like the Deron Williams of old, dishing out a combined 27 assists in wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets. Nets coach Lionel Hollins says Williams will remain in the starting lineup when Jack returns. 

"We’re going to stay the same way," Hollins said. "We’re going to try to bring Jarrett along. I don’t want to push him."

Meanwhile, the Nets will be without rookie swingman Bojan Bogdanovic for the second consecutive game due to a left ankle sprain. In 52 games, Bogdanovic is averaging 7.8 points and 2.7 rebounds. He had one of his best games of the season against the Lakers on Friday, dropping 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting.