Team Still Has Many Miles to Go

SAN ANTONIO, April 1 -- Washington Wizards Coach Eddie Jordan chuckled when asked about ending his team's longest road trip of the season, a six-game journey through the Western Conference that opened with a win March 23 at Utah and concluded Saturday night at San Antonio.

"Actually, I have surprise for you," Jordan said. "The road trip doesn't end until the 11th game. We're looking at this as an 11-game road trip."

Jordan was referencing the fact that after hosting the New York Knicks on Tuesday night, the Wizards will head back on the road for games at Boston (Wednesday night) and Atlanta (Friday night). The Miami Heat will visit Verizon Center on Saturday, and then the Wizards play at Philadelphia on April 10, at Milwaukee on April 12 and at Chicago on April 14.

"We're going to continue to compete, attack and play with composure," Jordan said. "If I see fatigue out there, then we have capable guys [in reserve]. We may be a little small but I know I have guys coming off the bench who will be physical, active and play with heart."

Haywood Inactive

Center Brendan Haywood was inactive for the third straight game with lower back pain. Before Friday's game in Houston, Haywood said he hoped to play Saturday night and he was in uniform 1 1/2 hours before tip-off. The team has not set a timetable for his return.

"We'll see as we move along," Jordan said.