Nets' Joe Johnson out vs. Hornets

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Brooklyn's Joe Johnson will not play against the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday night.

Johnson, who has sore left heel, was not scratched from the lineup in New Orleans, but C.J. Watson started in his place.

Since the game tipped off, a Nets spokesman has said Johnson won't play, missing his third straight game.

Johnson is averaging 17 points per game, and the Nets have lost their last two games without him as they try to stay in the running for one of the top four playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.