The chances of Portland center Greg Oden returning to the court this season aren't too good.
Oden had surgery in December to repair a fractured left kneecap. Almost two months ago, he told the Portland Tribune that he was "actually hoping, and saying my prayers, that I can come back before the end of this season."
"The chance of that happening is remote at best," veteran Portland trainer Jay Jensen says.
The Trail Blazers want to ensure that Oden is healthy over the long haul.
"I want to get my knee feeling good to the point where if (a return this season) doesn't happen, I can at least go into the summer knowing I'm ready for next season. I'm just being realistic," the former first overall pick said.