The New Jersey Nets are expecting forward Troy Murphy, out most of training camp with a back injury, to return to practice Saturday.
“Murphy will do little bit tomorrow, non-contact and we hope to have him back for half of our practice Monday, and we’ll proceed from there day-to-day,‘’ said coach Avery Johnson, although cautioning that Murphy being able to play in Wednesday’s regular-season opener "would be a miracle.’’
Murphy was penciled in as the power forward starting alongside center Brook Lopez, but he suffered a lower back strain.
“I’m just trying to get things going a little bit,‘’ Murphy said. "They wanted me to shut it down and let the medicine work. (I’ve been) shooting, doing light running. Tomorrow I’ll do a little bit more, ramp it up.’’