Emeka Okafor to make Wizards debut Monday night

After not playing in the Wizards' first three preseason games, center Emeka Okafor will make his Washington debut Monday night against the Brooklyn Nets.

Okafor sat out the preseason opener to rest his knee, then missed the last two preseason games due to food poisoning. He missed several days of practice and reportedly lost 12 pounds while sick. He has also missed practice during training camp with a sore knee. His return is a good sign for the Wizards, who are still without Nene due to a foot injury.

Washington acquired Okafor in an offseason trade with the New Orleans Hornets. The Wizards traded Rashard Lewis and a second round draft pick for Okafor and Trevor Ariza. Okafor is expected to start at center for a Wizards team which lacks depth in the front court.

Okafor averaged 9.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game last season. He has career averages of 12.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game while also blocking 1.8 shots per game. The Wizards game against the Nets is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET.