Marcus Camby injury update: Knicks center hopeful to play Thursday

New York Knicks center Marcus Camby is hopeful that he will be able to play in the team's season opener against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.

Having missed closed to four weeks due to issues with a calf strain, Camby participated in a light walkthrough on Sunday with his calf heavily bandaged in white wrap. Camby stated afterward that he wouldn't be able to fully participate in practice or scrimmages until Monday, which would give him only two full practices to prepare for the opener. The Knicks have remained cautious about the injury as they don't want it to linger.

If Camby in unable to play on Thursday, the team is expected to floor a front-court composed of Tyson Chandler, Kurt Thomas, Rasheed Wallace and Chris Copeland. However, Camby wants to play, via The New York Post:

"I'm hoping to get out there this week, get a couple of practices under my belt and try to get ready for this opener.," Camby said. "I'm excited to get back out there. I want to play if possible but I know I haven't really been out there. I'm shooting to get out there Thursday.''

The Knicks are scheduled to open the season in the first game in Brooklyn's Barclay's Center. Tip-off is listed at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast nationally on TNT.