http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/125978.html
Kings notes: As foot ailment lingers, Miller gets frustrated
By Tim Casey - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PST Tuesday, February 20, 2007
His uniform drenched with sweat, Brad Miller expressed frustration about his uncertain playing status Monday night.
The Kings center participated in practice, the team's first get together since last Wednesday's 110-93 loss to the New Orleans Hornets. But he had to sit out parts of the workout, including the final five-on-five full-court sessions, because of a lingering injury that's left him confused.
Miller, who missed the last four games with tissue inflammation in his left foot, isn't sure if he'll return tonight against the Boston Celtics at Arco Arena.
Miller spent the All-Star break resting, but he did some cardiovascular work on Sunday and received treatment for the injury. He said he felt pretty good Monday, although he said the status changes every day. He won't know if he'll play tonight until close to tipoff.
Miller has spoken with several players who have had a similar injury, including former Kings forward Peja Stojakovic. Each has been befuddled by the injury's unpredictable nature. Miller said it's possible the injury could affect him the rest of the season.
"It feels (terrible) sometimes," said Miller, who missed eight consecutive games in November with a torn tendon in the same foot. "Other times it doesn't feel bad. ... It's a pain in the butt, for sure."
Thomas out -- Kenny Thomas missed Monday's practice because of an undisclosed illness. Kings coach Eric Musselman said he didn't know why Thomas was out or if he'd return tonight.
Thomas missed last Sunday's game with a strained lower back but returned for the next two games. Musselman said Thomas' absence was unrelated to that injury.
Big stretch -- Musselman was encouraged with the Kings' effort on Monday. He's hoping it will carry over the rest of the month and into March.
After tonight, the Kings embark on a four-game road trip against Eastern Conference foes: Thursday at Washington, Friday at New Jersey, Sunday at Indiana and Monday at Philadelphia.
At 22-29, the Kings are last in the Pacific Division and are tied for the third fewest victories in the Western Conference. They are 7-17 away from Arco Arena.
With 31 games remaining, how many victories do the Kings need to make the playoffs?
"Thirty-one would be great, go 31-0," Miller said, smiling. "We'll have to at least win 20 games. That's probably going to be the bare minimum."
About the writer: The Bee's Tim Casey can be reached at (916) 326-5510 or tcasey@sacbee.com.
Kings notes: As foot ailment lingers, Miller gets frustrated
By Tim Casey - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PST Tuesday, February 20, 2007
His uniform drenched with sweat, Brad Miller expressed frustration about his uncertain playing status Monday night.
The Kings center participated in practice, the team's first get together since last Wednesday's 110-93 loss to the New Orleans Hornets. But he had to sit out parts of the workout, including the final five-on-five full-court sessions, because of a lingering injury that's left him confused.
Miller, who missed the last four games with tissue inflammation in his left foot, isn't sure if he'll return tonight against the Boston Celtics at Arco Arena.
Miller spent the All-Star break resting, but he did some cardiovascular work on Sunday and received treatment for the injury. He said he felt pretty good Monday, although he said the status changes every day. He won't know if he'll play tonight until close to tipoff.
Miller has spoken with several players who have had a similar injury, including former Kings forward Peja Stojakovic. Each has been befuddled by the injury's unpredictable nature. Miller said it's possible the injury could affect him the rest of the season.
"It feels (terrible) sometimes," said Miller, who missed eight consecutive games in November with a torn tendon in the same foot. "Other times it doesn't feel bad. ... It's a pain in the butt, for sure."
Thomas out -- Kenny Thomas missed Monday's practice because of an undisclosed illness. Kings coach Eric Musselman said he didn't know why Thomas was out or if he'd return tonight.
Thomas missed last Sunday's game with a strained lower back but returned for the next two games. Musselman said Thomas' absence was unrelated to that injury.
Big stretch -- Musselman was encouraged with the Kings' effort on Monday. He's hoping it will carry over the rest of the month and into March.
After tonight, the Kings embark on a four-game road trip against Eastern Conference foes: Thursday at Washington, Friday at New Jersey, Sunday at Indiana and Monday at Philadelphia.
At 22-29, the Kings are last in the Pacific Division and are tied for the third fewest victories in the Western Conference. They are 7-17 away from Arco Arena.
With 31 games remaining, how many victories do the Kings need to make the playoffs?
"Thirty-one would be great, go 31-0," Miller said, smiling. "We'll have to at least win 20 games. That's probably going to be the bare minimum."
About the writer: The Bee's Tim Casey can be reached at (916) 326-5510 or tcasey@sacbee.com.
