"Yi Jianlian is ready to resume his NBA career.

The Nets' power forward will practice Monday and Tuesday and, barring a setback, play Wednesday against Minnesota. He hasn't played since spraining his right MCL on Nov. 2.

"I'm pretty close," Yi said. "I just need a few practices with the team."

Yi was set to return two weeks ago, but needed 50 stitches in his upper lip after taking an inadvertent elbow in the mouth when he tried to block Sean Williams' dunk attempt in a Dec. 5 post-practice game. Yi said it gave him extra time for his knee to heal and he feels fine."