Marcus Thornton unsure about return tonight against Dallas Mavericks

On Tuesday, Keith Smart seemed pretty optimistic about getting Marcus Thornton back into the lineup tonight.  But after practice yesterday, the Sacramento Kings guard suggested otherwise regarding his comeback to the court.

“After today, me, (director of sports medicine) Pete (Youngman) and him have to sit down and think of a good time (to come back),” said the 25-year-old guard about his potential return to the lineup. “Do I want to stress it tomorrow or wait ’til it’s fully (healthy)?  So we’re still playing it by ear.”

The Sacramento Kings guard has sat out the previous five games after spraining his left ankle against the Boston Celtics.  He participated in his first, full practice on Tuesday after wearing a walking boot during most of the Kings’ four-game road trip.  Initially, Thornton attempted to work out Wednesday, but lingering effects from Tuesday’s practice proved too stressful.  Instead, the Kings guard sat out yesterday’s workout to receive additional medical treatment.

Though Thornton appeared uncertain about his status for tonight’s game against the Dallas Mavericks, his coach maintained confidence in the 25-year-old’s recovery.

“When you get your first opportunity to practice to where you’re not running straight lines,” Smart began.  “That you are now moving and changing directions all over the floor, you’re gonna be sore in the morning from that.  And he was a little sore this morning,  but I think through the treatment he had this afternoon and through the night, I think he’ll be okay tomorrow.”

Watch Thornton’s comments on his uncertain return from injury in the video below.