By Ivan Carter
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 12, 2008

All-star forward Caron Butler, who missed his 17th straight game last night with a left hip injury, participated in the morning shoot-around. If things go well during practice today, he could be in the lineup tomorrow against Cleveland.

"He's feeling better and that's a good sign but he's just not ready to play [Tuesday]," Coach Eddie Jordan said before the game against Milwaukee. "We'll practice, see how everyone is feeling and hopefully he'll be ready for Thursday."

On Monday, Butler went through his first full practice since Feb. 18. He originally had a strained hip flexor diagnosed following a loss at Milwaukee on Jan. 27, but an MRI exam taken two weeks ago revealed a slight tear in the labrum of his left hip.

Following that exam, Butler was prescribed a period of rest and he also met with a hip specialist who helped evaluate his condition yesterday.

Butler, who was averaging a career-high 21.4 points per game at the time of his injury, has missed a total of 19 games with the hip injury and also missed a game with sprained ankles.

The Wizards are 8-12 without Butler this season; since the start of the 2005-06 season, the Wizards are 14-36 without him.

UP NEXT: Tomorrow vs. Cleveland 8 p.m. TNT, WTEM-980

Saturday vs. L.A. Clippers 7 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980