The Wizards are just 17-58, but they refuse to give up on their troublesome season and won't lose games simply to increase their chance of landing the first overall pick.

"It's a weighted system with multiple balls, percentages based on losses. If you've got 13 percent versus 19 percent, that gust of wind has to blow the right ball in there," interim coach Ed Tapscott said. "The system was designed to make sure teams don't go out and try to tank games. Nor would we want to. We owe it to our fans to play our games competitively right up to the end.

"It's also the process by which you develop your young players. You've got to let them know that we're going to compete up until the end, so we're not hurting our chances in the draft. The draft is a separate issue from our performance right now."

Gilbert Arenas had 15 points and 10 assists in his first game of the season on Saturday night, a Washington loss to Detroit.

Arenas played 29 minutes, and shot 3-for-12 from the field.

With the Wizards trailing by two and four seconds left in the game, Arenas missed the second of two free throws, but chased down the miss.

He retreated to the three-point line, but missed what would have been a dramatic game-winner as Kwame Brown swatted the attempt away.

Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas is officially listed as a 'game-time decision' for Saturday's battle against the Pistons.

However, he is expected to play, and likely start, in what would be his first action of the 2008-09 season.

"I would certainly presume he's starting, just out of respect for his status as one of the best players in the league," coach Ed Tapscott said. "And we will have a final determination on his minutes. I don't think we'll go the full 36, 38 minutes. That just would not be realistic, would not be prudent on our part. I would think somewhere around 24, 28 minutes would be more like it."

Arenas has said that he'd like to play in six of Washington's final nine games.

Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas hasn't yet returned to the court, but he's already reverting to his headline ways.

When asked by the Washington Post if he noticed any college players that could make a difference on the team's roster, Arenas made a rather pointed comment.

"I don't pay attention to the JV until they get here," Arenas said.

Gilbert Arenas is still on track to return against the Pistons on Saturday, and he could be in the starting lineup.

Arenas has been sidelined since having surgery in September, his third operation on his left knee in the last 18 months.

The former All-Star did some shooting, but did not participate fully in Friday's light practice.

Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas is still on pace to make his season debut against the Pistons on Saturday night.

"The plan was Saturday, and we're still working towards that end," interim coach Ed Tapscott said. "As we've got it planned out right now, he's going to play in selective games and no back-to-backs. As we work through the process of making sure that, as he comes back, we do it in a way that is beneficial to his health and our team development."

Arenas has offered multiple comeback scenarios, including a return on Saturday or an appearance in the team's last five games.

"He was unbelievable out there today just making the plays he normally makes," swingman Caron Butler said after practice on Tuesday. "He hasn't missed a beat. Gilbert looked good out there. He looked real sharp. I can't wait to see him out there live and see the response and the fans."

Arenas has played in just 13 games the last two seasons in the wake of three knee surgeries in an 18-month span.

Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas sent a text message to Comcast SportsNet recently revealing that he'll return Saturday night against the Pistons.

The message reportedly said: "I'm playing Saturday against Detroit."

However, Arenas appeared less sure when asked on Monday about the rumors.

"It's only true if I play on Saturday," he told the Washington Post.

Arenas then told the Washington Times that "the plan" is for him to return on Saturday, but nothing is set in stone.

There have been rumors that Gilbert Arenas could return to the Wizards before the end of the season, possibly appearing in the team's final fives games.

An NBA source has said that Arenas, who has been practicing with Washington since Feb. 16, expects to be ready late in the season.

Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas indicated on Thursday that a return to the court this season isn't out of the question, according to a source close to the former All-Star.

Washington has just 12 games remaining this season, and Arenas has practiced with the team on and off since Feb. 16.

On Feb. 23, Arenas claimed his troublesome left knee was at "full strength."

Wizards forward Caron Butler had an MRI on his troublesome left hamstring on Monday that showed no serious damage.

Butler is listed by the team as day-to-day after the exam showed some inflammation, but he's unlikely to play anytime soon.

"I don't expect to play for a [while]," Butler told the Washington Times.

Butler is averaging 20.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the Wizards this season.