Wizards to rest Nene, Pierce on Friday against Knicks

The Washington Wizards are putting the rare opportunity of playing the league-worst New York Knicks to good use.

The Wizards will rest forwards Nene Hilario and Paul Pierce on Friday. Both veterans are dealing with nagging ailments and taking a game off in advance of the postseason is a worthwhile gamble.

Pierce also sat out the Wizards' game Wednesday and did not practice Thursday. The 37-year-old has appeared in 69 games for the Wizards this season, posting averages of 12.2 points and four rebounds while connecting on 38.4 percent of his 3-point tries.

The rest will probably do Pierce some good, as it looked like the crafty veteran was beginning to slow down. In his last six games, Pierce shot just 25.6 percent from the floor.

The 32-year-old Nene has a history of injuries, but has avoided major health issues this season, appearing in 65 games. During that time, he's posted per-game averages of 11 points and 5.1 rebounds on 51 percent shooting from the floor.

Otto Porter and Kris Humphries will likely start in place of Pierce and Nene.