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The Nets can expect some reinforcements Monday. 

Both LaMarcus Aldridge and Nic Claxton have been removed from the most recent injury report. The two centers will presumably be available to return against the visiting Kings as the Nets try to snap an NBA-worst 11-game losing skid. 

Aldridge didn’t make the recent trip and has missed the last seven games since spraining his left ankle in a Jan. 29 defeat at Golden State, leaving the arena on crutches. 

“He’s days away more than weeks away,” Steve Nash had said over the weekend. If Aldridge plays against Sacramento, Nash will be proven correct. 

Claxton has missed the past four games, since being forced out of the Feb. 4 game at Utah. 


  Nic Claxton (left) and LaMarcus Alrdrige (right) were both removed from the injury report. USA TODAY Sports, Getty Nic Claxton (left) and LaMarcus Alrdrige (right) were both removed from the injury report. USA TODAY Sports, Getty

If the pair suit up Monday, they’ll join Blake Griffin, rookie Day’Ron Sharpe and newly acquired Andre Drummond in giving Brooklyn five centers. 

Drummond and fellow newcomer Seth Curry had to sit out Saturday’s loss in Miami, victims of James Harden’s dilatory physical with 76ers. 

“I’m excited about both of those guys, veterans in the game who understand how to play and can mix well,” Kevin Durant said. “We’ve got a lot of younger guys that can learn from Drummond and Seth and see how they work and see how they move as veterans in this league. 

“[They’ve] been in winning environments and played in big games before, so they understand what’s at stake here for us.” 

Drummond will provide much-needed size, rebounding and interior defense in drop coverage. And with Joe Harris out indefinitely and Kyrie Irving set to miss the next four straight, expect Curry to provide shooting and ease the ballhandling burden on Patty Mills. 

“Seth is able to take a lot of the burden off Patty at this point,” Nash said. “It adds a shooter to our program — which is great — and a guy that can score spotting up or off the bounce. Space the floor for his teammates as well. I think there’s in general never too many shooters, so that’s a positive as well. 

“Patty’s had tons of responsibility in this stretch. It’s been three months since Joe’s been out really, so it’s a lot. He’s played more than he’s probably ever played. … We’ve asked a lot of him. His spirit’s unbelievable, but we also have got to be careful that we don’t overburden him.” 

James Johnson is questionable with a right knee contusion. Ben Simmons won’t play for awhile, needing to ramp up after sitting out the entire season to force his way out of Philadelphia in the Harden deal. 

“I don’t know how long it’ll take,” Curry said. “I know he’s excited about the opportunity, excited to be back out on the floor, excited to get back on the floor and get back around teammates and play. We’re going to get a good-looking Ben, an excited Ben and an energetic one; looking forward to getting back out on the court with him.”

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