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Friday March 18, 2011 11:56 AM
Scola A Step Closer To return
Rockets' forward back on the practice court for first time in more than a week
Jason Friedman
Rockets.com
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HOUSTON - Update: Scola took part in Friday's shootaround prior to Houston's game against the Celtics. He says he is definitely feeling better but a decision regarding his availability for Friday's contest will not be made until closer to game time.
Luis Scola took a positive step forward in his recovery Thursday afternoon, taking part in a team practice for the first time in more than a week.
The Rockets starting power forward has missed the clubs past four games with a sore left knee and received an injection Monday in an effort to help alleviate some of the pain which has kept him on the sidelines. The early returns on that treatment seem to be positive, as Scola returned to the practice court Thursday, taking part in a light workout with the rest of his Rockets teammates.
I feel better, he said, after wrapping up the hour-long session. Weve been able to do stuff today that we werent able to do earlier so its definitely progressing.
Houstons training staff will now monitor Scolas knee over the next 24 hours to see how it responds to todays activity, the results of which will determine whether or not Scola will be made available for Fridays game against Boston or held back in order to receive more time, rest and treatment.
Were definitely doing everything we can to (get back in time for Boston), said Scola. We need to do more tests tomorrow, see how it reacts. Maybe it can turn out pretty well or it could be a little sore, so we have to see how it reacts for tomorrow morning I want to be a little cautious with what I say but were doing everything we can to be ready to play tomorrow night.
Added Rockets Head Coach Rick Adelman: We didnt scrimmage or anything, so its really hard to tell. We want to be sure that hes feeling where he can be effective and not just go out because he wants to go out. Theyve got to look at him tomorrow and see how his knee responded to what he did today.
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