Jordan Anticipates Lift From Songaila

TORONTO, Jan. 31 -- The Wizards will be short-handed without Antawn Jamison, who will receive an MRI exam Thursday to determine the status of his left knee injury, but Coach Eddie Jordan said the team could receive a boost with Darius Songaila's return "right around the corner."

Songaila, the Wizards' prized free agent signing, has missed the season with a lower back injury, but he said Wednesday that he plans on making a return before the all-star break. He has been practicing with the team for a week and said he has felt steady improvement.

"Practices went well. I'm waiting for the doctor to okay the process and we'll take it from there," he said. "The stiffness is gradually going away. It's getting there, but it's a work in progress."

Songaila tempered expectations for his return, especially since he hasn't played an NBA game in more than a year. "If I come back, you can't expect me to play 20 minutes a game. I have to come in and get a feel for the game. I need to get to know these guys, get used to the tempo of the game."

Jordan said his initial guess was that Jamison would be out "a few weeks," but added that the team can withstand his absence. He said he will rely on a rotation that includes Calvin Booth, Andray Blatche and Jarvis Hayes to fill the void.

"The last two years, we've had some significant injuries and we've found ways to have some success. We still have the heart and soul of our team. We've still got veterans to come in and do the job," Jordan said.

Jamison missed his first game since the 2004-05 season, when he sat out 14 games with right knee tendinitis, and the Wizards went 7-7.