EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- In his opinion, Brooklyn Nets coach Lionel Hollins believes that center Brook Lopez will be ready for the team’s regular-season opener on Wednesday night in Boston.

On Oct. 16, the Nets announced that Lopez would miss 10-to-14 days with a mild right midfoot sprain. Friday marks Day 8 of the rehab process.

“He was on the [anti-gravity] treadmill, but he’s doing fine,” Hollins said Friday. “I think he’ll be ready by opening day, but that’s my opinion to talking to with him, but the doctors [still have to clear him].”

So what does Hollins need to see in Lopez before he returns? “That he’s healthy. That’s all. If he’s healthy, he’s gonna play,” Hollins said. “I’d prefer [he practice], but if he doesn’t, it doesn’t matter.”

• Point guard Deron Williams bristled and declined comment when asked about the tape of his right wrist/thumb. Williams has been sporting the tape since the team’s trip to China.

• Power forward Kevin Garnett, who had been sick with a stomach virus since the team returned to China, was back and practicing with his teammates.

• Will shooting guard Joe Johnson become the first Brooklyn Net to ever live in Brooklyn? The New York Post reported that he looked at an apartment in DUMBO.

“I’ve heard something about that,” Johnson said with a smirk. “I looked at a place a while ago. Obviously I didn’t find nothing, but I’m just looking just in case.”

Maybe it’ll happen eventually, just not now.