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Updates
Fri, Feb 6th 2009, 11:02
DJ Augustin targets Friday for return
It says something that point guard Raymond Felton – a guy who never seems to tire of playing basketball – is ready to play a little less basketball.
That was Felton’s reaction to D.J. Augustin practicing Wednesday for the first time in nearly a month.
“I’ve averaged 40-plus minutes for the last 15 or so games,” Felton said. “I love being on the court, but sometimes fatigue sets in.”
Certainly that was true on a five-game trip, when Felton played 53 minutes against the Los Angeles Lakers and 44 against the Utah Jazz.Augustin said he felt no pain in the abdominal strain he suffered Jan. 10 against the Washington Wizards. If that’s the case in today’s practice as well, the plan is for him to play Friday against the Atlanta Hawks.
“That’s my goal,” Augustin said, “so long as there’s no discomfort.”
Augustin first felt that discomfort Jan. 6, in a victory against the Boston Celtics. He tried to play through it, then felt a pop four days later against the Wizards. His rehabilitation took about a week longer than first anticipated, when he felt some soreness while working out in Los Angeles.
“Certainly he’s not going to be in great shape,” coach Larry Brown said of Augustin missing three-plus weeks. “As hard as he’s worked, it’s still never enough” to replicate game-shape.
Augustin’s absence has been difficult, affecting the point guard position and depth in general. The team’s other rookie point guard, Sean Singletary, hasn’t played well as Augustin’s replacement. In those 10 games, Singletary totaled seven assists and 27 points in 92 minutes.