After being sidelined since the All-Star break, Greg Oden participated in a light workout on Tuesday, convincing the Trail Blazers to upgrade his status for Wednesday's game from "out" to "questionable." Does it mean he'll play? It's too early to say, but when you consider how frustrating his absence has been for Oden, his teammates and the fans, it's OK to celebrate baby steps.You have to wonder about the timing of this decision, though. As Jason Quick of The Oregonian points out, the Blazers are Indianapolis, Oden's hometown. Is the team hoping the chance to play in front of family and friends will serve as added motivation, or is it purely a quirk in the schedule? Only McMillan and his staff knows for sure.
What we do know is that Oden will come off the bench for the foreseeable future as Nate McMillan eases him back into the rotation. Considering how well Joel Przybilla has played -- he's averaging 7.0 points, 11.1 boards and 2.1 blocks in nine games this month -- the decision makes sense any way you look at it.
The Blazers entered Tuesday's action trailing the Nuggets by just a half game in the Nuggets -- making up that difference between now and the end of the season should be the difference between opening the playoffs on the road or at home.
