Nets' Thaddeus Young out Friday, doubtful Sunday with knee strain
The Brooklyn Nets are going to need all hands on deck in their pursuit of one of the Eastern Conference's final playoff spots, but they'll be without their starting power forward for at least the next game or two.
Thaddeus Young Update: MRI revealed a left knee strain. Listed as OUT for tomorrow vs. Cavs and DOUBTFUL for Sunday’s game vs. Lakers. #Nets
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 26, 2015
Young suffered the injury when he hyperextended the knee in the third quarter of Wednesday's victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
Young is averaging 13.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals on 49 percent shooting and 48 percent 3-point shooting in 18 games with the Nets since being acquired from the Timberwolves at the trade deadline.
Young, who was included in the deal that sent Kevin Garnett back to Minnesota, had started Brooklyn's last 10 games. The Nets are 9-9 with Young in the lineup and perform 4.4 points per 100 possessions better with him on the court as opposed to on the bench, according to Basketball Reference.
Rookie Cory Jefferson could see additional time as a third big man behind Brook Lopez and Mason Plumlee in Young's absence.