Unable to work in any of the four practices this week, Cassell said he wasn't sure if he could go tonight against the Utah Jazz and its future Hall of Fame point guard, John Stockton.

Cassell's coach was somewhat more optimistic.

"I think he'll try to play." George Karl said. "The shoot-around (today) will tell us a little bit more, but my gut feeling is he wants to play and I think he'll try to play."

Physically, these have been a difficult six days for Cassell.

Sunday, he sprained his wrist in practice and could not participate the next two days. He started Wednesday night at Washington, shot the ball extremely well and then proceeded to hurt himself again. In the third quarter, while going for a loose ball, Cassell hit the floor after his legs were cut from under him by Wizards forward Popeye Jones. Forced to leave after the next timeout, Cassell returned in the fourth quarter and finished with 27 points in 27 minutes in the 107-98 victory.