--F David West has tested his sore back in practice and coach Byron Scott said Wednesday that there's an outside chance West could return to the lineup before next week, which had been the projected time frame for his return. West practiced on a limited basis Tuesday and experienced soreness the day after. Scott said West will test the back again in practice Thursday.
If he has no ill effects from that work, he could try and play Friday at home against the Warriors or, more likely, Saturday at the Spurs, though a return next week still appears most likely. West missed his fifth consecutive game Wednesday. --Byron Scott said he thinks F David West has a "long shot" to be among the reserves named Thursday to participate for the Western Conference in the Feb. 15 All-Star Game.
"It's kind of out of sight, out of mind," Scott said. "When you're not playing, people tend to forget what you did earlier."
West, who is averaging 20 points and seven rebounds, earned his first All-Star selection when he was named a reserve last season.
--G Morris Peterson suffered a sprained left foot in the second quarter Wednesday and did not return. His status is uncertain.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "The objective now is to have a better second half of the season than the first." -- Coach Byron Scott, on the Hornets completing the first half of the season with a 27-14 record.
