Etan

Thomas

Thomas is riding a stationary bike and shooting jumpers. He could return to practice before the end of the week.

Thomas missed the first three preseason games after suffering an abdominal strain jumping for a rebound near the end of training camp. At the time, Thomas said it wasn’t serious.

“I think I’m getting close,” said Thomas, who has missed the regular season so far with an abdominal injury. “I’m getting better. I haven’t been practicing, but... I’m just waiting on the green light.” Coach Eddie Jordan said he didn’t know whether Thomas or Steve Blake (foot) would be available on the West Coast trip that starts Friday.

Brendan Haywood should still have some solid value for a few more weeks.

Thomas signed a six-year, $38 million contract in the offseason. With Kwame Brown still having foot problems (Jordan says they will keep Brown sidelined two more weeks), Thomas will relieve Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood up front.

Thomas has missed the entire season to this point with the injury.

Thomas will continue to come off the bench, but he might keep playing more than the struggling Haywood.

Thomas missed two games with the flu. Coach Eddie Jordan said instead of subbing Thomas for Brendan Haywood, he might play them together, possibly at the expense of Kwame Brown or Christian Laettner.

Thomas is day-to-day. He could return for Tuesday’s game.

Collins said Thomas is experiencing double vision and could miss the rest of the season if surgery is needed.