"Of all the injuries the Nets have had this season, Yi Jianlian probably suffered the most gruesome one - a cut upper lip that required 50 stitches.

But with his lip healed, Yi is set to return to the practice court Monday and he could play in the Nets' next game Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves .

The 7-footer, whom the Nets were relying on to provide a perimeter and post presence this season, has not played since Nov.2, when he sprained his right knee. He was set to return from that injury two weeks ago but got elbowed in the face while playing 3-on-3 after a practice."