--C/F Josh Boone began last season as the starting center, lost the job through injury to Brook Lopez and has been scrambling for minutes since. Now, with Yi Jianlian out, Boone may get his time at power forward. He was used there extensively Wednesday and was one of the few bright spots for the Nets in a 122-94 loss to Denver as he scored 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

"I said from the beginning I'd love to play both positions," Boone said. "I just want to be on the floor."

--G Courtney Lee has been struggling with his shot -- he was 2-of-11 Wednesday when his season mark plunged to .306. Coach Lawrence Frank insists it's just a matter of time with the young wing.

"Courtney will find his way. He had some real good looks and I think he had some good drives early too," Frank said.

--F Eduardo Najera on Wednesday made his first start since Jan. 15, 2008, when he was playing for Denver. Ironically, Wednesday he faced Denver and scored 14 points in 24 minutes. Najera did not even play in the previous game but was pressed into starting service when Yi Jianlian sprained his knee.

"We're hurting. I wish I didn't get to play this way, that's for sure. But it's what the team needs, and I'm ready," Najera said.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--F Yi Jianlian is out with a sprained right knee. He is expected out anywhere from 3-5 weeks.

--G Devin Harris visited a specialist in Chicago and the exam confirmed the original prognosis of a strained right groin. The team announced that he is "out indefinitely," likely another week.

--F Jarvis Hayes remains out having left the season opener after just 2:20 with a left hamstring injury. Hayes is expected out for another week.

--G Keyon Dooling (hip surgery rehab) underwent an arthroscopic procedure after last season. He is working his way back and has targeted mid-to-late November for his return. He has begun working at shoot-arounds.

--F/C Tony Battie underwent an MRI on his sore right knee last week and no structural damage was found. There is no timetable for a return.