The Nets returned to practice today after two days off and at least three days away from playing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Dikembe Mutombo, who has been idling on the bench for the last four weeks, could find himself on the court more often against either potential opponent, the Pistons or the Sixers. Each team has a strong physical presence in the paint, with Ben Wallace and Derrick Coleman, respectively.

The Bucks and the Celtics, New Jersey's previous playoff foes, played from the perimeter, and the Nets did not need the 7-foot-2 Mutombo.