EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Brooklyn Nets forward Andrei Kirilenko will not play Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Nets announced.

Kirilenko had said he hoped to return before the team begins a three-game road trip Saturday night at Indiana. He has not played since Nov. 8, missing 24 games this season due to back spams.

While trying to return to the lineup, Kirilenko has had three setbacks and received two epidurals.

The Nets (9-19) have missed Kirilenko’s versatility on defense. They currently rank 27th in defensive efficiency, surrendering a whopping 106.3 points per 100 possessions. Only the Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz are worse in that department.

Update: Nets coach Jason Kidd does not expect Kirilenko to travel with the team on it's upcoming three-game roadtrip.