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Monday February 12, 2007 4:01 PM


Wells expected to return against his former team


Sacramento at Houston, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.


Damien Pierce
Rockets.com Staff Writer

HOUSTON -- Bonzi Wells was slashing through the paint and tormenting San Antonio's helpless defense in a Sacramento jersey about nine months ago.

Now with the Rockets, the 6-foot-5 swingman already considers his time with the Kings ancient history.

Wells is expected to return from a sore lower back Tuesday night to face his former team for the first time when the Sacramento Kings visit Toyota Center.

Wells said he has already moved on from his days in Northern California.

"It's my former team, but it's cool," Wells said. "It's just another game. It doesn't matter to me what the name is on the other jersey."

Wells played one season with the Kings, nearly carrying Sacramento past San Antonio in the opening round of last season's playoffs.

With his slashing ability and low-post game, Wells was virtually unstoppable against the Spurs. He had five double-doubles in the six-game series, notching a career-best 38 points in one performance. He finished the series with a team-best 23.2 points and 12.0 rebounds per game, but San Antonio moved on to the next round.

Following his dazzling playoff run, Wells tested the free agent market and ended up joining the Rockets shortly before training camp.

He said he never had any issues with the Kings.

"I never had a problem with the organization," Wells said. "It is what it is. You might be with an orgnatization one day and the next day you might not."

Wells is instead more concerned with getting himself back in the Rockets' lineup.

Since taking a hard spill against New Orleans/Oklahoma City on Feb. 3, Wells has been out with a sore lower back. He missed only three games, but the injury was the latest in a season of setbacks for the star guard.

From getting back into playing shape to dealing with back spasms, Wells has only played in 19 of Houston's 50 games. He was finally beginning to find a groove with his new team in January before being derailed against the Hornets.

Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said it has been "a hard year" for Wells, but he has seen enough from the guard to know that he's an vital contributor in Houston's eight-man rotation.

"He is a very good cutter, he has an intellegence about him, he can rebound in traffic and he brings a nasty streak," Van Gundy said. "We need that from him."

Wells is hoping to provide that against the Kings, even if he doesn't feel a need to have a strong game against his former team.

Wells said his back has improved after taking some time off and he's just ready to be back on the court.

"I feel better," Wells said. "I'm still sore, but I'm definitely going to play (against the Kings). I tried to play (Saturday against Charlotte), but coach told me take a couple of more days off to make sure I get all that soreness out of my backside. Hopefully, I'll play tomorrow and everything will be smooth sailing."