Nets' Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) ruled out Monday at Pelicans

Finney-Smith left in the third quarter of Friday's game

His absence will be a blow to Brooklyn's defense

Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith will not play Monday against the New Orleans Pelicans due to a left ankle sprain, the team announced. Finney-Smith left Friday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans in the third quarter after suffering the injury. He did not return to the game. The Nets are already without Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, so Finney-Smith's absence will leave them shorthanded in the frontcourt. Finney-Smith is averaging 8.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game this season. He is one of the Nets' best defenders and his absence will be a blow to their defense. The Nets will need to find a way to replace Finney-Smith's production on the defensive end. They could start Royce O'Neale or TJ Warren in his place. The Nets are hoping that Finney-Smith will be able to return to the lineup soon. They are currently 29-17 and in fourth place in the Eastern Conference.