Nets power forward Troy Murphy may be forced to miss the team's season opener because of a back injury.

New Jersey coach Avery Johnson said Saturday that Murphy had a "bad disk" and would be sidelined indefinitely.

Murphy isn't expected to require surgery.

He will not accompany the Nets on their upcoming trip to Russia and China.

The Nets will open the 2010-11 season on Oct. 27 against the Pistons.