Wizards' Pierce and Nene out against Knicks

WASHINGTON (AP) The Washington Wizards rested forwards Paul Pierce and Nene for Friday night's game against the last-place New York Knicks.

Otto Porter and Drew Gooden started at forward for Washington.

Pierce sat out Wednesday's 106-93 win over the 76ers as well, and Porter scored 15 points on 5 of 12 shooting in his place.

After concluding a five-game homestand on Friday night, the Wizards travel to Memphis to face the Grizzlies on Saturday night.

Washington began the day in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, three games behind Chicago and Toronto.

Prior to the game, Knicks coach Derek Fisher said guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (right wrist) would return against Washington after missing nine games.