Back Could Sideline E. Thomas for Week

The Washington Wizards could be without center Etan Thomas for at least a week after Thomas strained his lower back during Friday night's loss at Atlanta. Thomas, who started seven consecutive games, has been bothered by back pain for several days and was pulled out of Friday's game after posting six points and five rebounds in 19 first-half minutes.

"He's had some discomfort in the back for the last seven, eight, nine days," Wizards Coach Eddie Jordan said. "He's played with it but [Friday night] it got to a point where it was intolerable. We're going to give him some rest."

Thomas is averaging 4.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 15.6 minutes this season and replaced Brendan Haywood as a starter at Golden State on March 27. Haywood came off the bench to post 11 points and 10 rebounds on Friday, giving him seven double-doubles this season, and made his 66th start last night against Miami.

Atkins Helps Team From Afar

Chucky Atkins didn't do a whole lot to help the Wizards before the team bought out his contract on Jan. 18, but he helped the Wizards' playoff cause Friday night when he made two fourth-quarter three-pointers to help the Memphis Grizzlies pull out a 100-90 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks (37-39) are trying to catch the Wizards for the fifth seed in the East.

The Wizards and Bucks will play twice -- Wednesday night in Milwaukee and April 18 at Verizon Center in the second-to-last game of the regular season.