Trailblazer Center Re-Injures Knee

Everyone thought Arvydas Sabonis was on the mend. After tearing cartilage in his knee, the 7-foot-3 center missed the first eight games of this season while recovering from arthroscopic surgery.

Sabonis returned to the game November 14 and played in five of the Trailblazer's seven games on their recent road trip. Members of the team seemed thrilled to have him back on the parquet.

But tragedy struck Tuesday night, causing anyone who knew of his comeback tale cringe. Sabonis accidentally stepped on teammate Scottie Pippen's foot and twisted his right knee. Sabonis, who was averaging 8.8 points per game and 3.7 rebounds, left in the middle of the first quarter to be replaced by center Dale Davis.

At mid-day Wednesday, Sabonis was listed as day-to-day on the Trailblazer's official site. The Associated Press reported that the Lithuanian native did not participate in full-court drills Wednesday and would likely not play in Thursday's match-up against Dallas. His status for a game against Houston Saturday was not mentioned.

"It would be a surprise if he plays" Thursday, coach Mike Dunleavy told the AP Wednesday.