Nicolas Batum said his sprained left ankle is "surprisingly much better" and is hopeful he can return during the Hornets' first-round series against Miami, the Miami Herald reports. "The swelling is way down so I will just keep working on it with like fou

Batum said his sprained left ankle is "surprisingly much better" and is hopeful he can return during the Hornets' first-round series against Miami, the Miami Herald reports. "The swelling is way down so I will just keep working on it with like four or five hours of treatment everyday until I get back as fast as possible on the court," said Batum.

Analysis:

Batum, who sat out Saturday's Game 3 win over Miami, was initially concerned that he'd be forced to miss the remainder of the series, but the improvement he's experienced the last few days leaves him more hopeful. Despite the improvement in the ankle, Batum is doubtful, at best, to play Monday when the series resumes. If the Hornets, whose win Saturday leaves them down two games to one, can extend the series to six or seven games, there's a chance Batum could return.