Down 2-1, Nets try to avoid falling into big hole against Bulls after dropping 2 straight

Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams, left, listens to interim head coach P.J. Carlesimo during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, April 25, 2013, in Chicago. The Bulls won 79-76. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (The Associated Press)

Brooklyn Nets head coach P.J. Carlesimo gestures during the second half of Game 3 of their first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, April 25, 2013, in Chicago. The Bulls won 79-76. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (The Associated Press)

CHICAGO – Deron Williams is struggling, Joe Johnson is hobbled and the Brooklyn Nets suddenly look as if they could be headed to an early playoff exit.

They trail the Chicago Bulls 2-1 after back-to-back losses and will fall into a really big hole in this best-of-7 series if they lose Game 4 on Saturday.

It's a tough spot for a team that won 49 games in its first season in Brooklyn and ended a six-year postseason drought.

The Nets solved one issue by an announcing a contract extension for general manager Billy King on Friday. Now, they need to find an answer on offense after shooting about 35 percent the past two games.

Williams is having trouble getting to the paint. Johnson's left foot is feeling "a lot better" but remains a concern. And Gerald Wallace is not sure of his role.