Al Jefferson: Returns to practice, could play Friday

Jefferson (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice and the team announced that he will play Friday against the Bucks "if the next few days go well at practice."

Analysis:

Jefferson has missed all but two games since the beginning of December as a result of a suspension, a calf injury, and most recently, a surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. After logging his first full-contact practice since undergoing surgery, it sounds like Jefferson is zeroing in on a return. If he's not ready to go by Friday, Jefferson could realistically be an option for Sunday's matchup with the Nets. He was averaging a substandard 12.5 points and 6.1 rebounds over 25.2 minutes over 19 games earlier this season, and while the 31-year-old now appears to be entering the decline phase of his career, those kind of numbers still make him a useful commodity in deeper formats.