Backup center Michael Olowokandi was back on the practice floor for the first time in several weeks today after missing the last month with an abdominal strain he suffered against the Indiana Pacers on November 15 while battling Jermaine O'Neal for a rebound.

Olowokandi isn't sure if he'll be ready for Wednesday night, as he awaits clearance from the team's medical staff. In the meantime, with all of the recent injuries befalling the team as of late, Coach Doc Rivers was pleased to have another body on the floor.

"That was a nice surprise. I didn't know it was going to happen. He looked OK. He was supposed to only go through the drills, and then he went through the entire practice," said Rivers, who noted that Olowokandi may be activated for Wednesday's game against Golden State. "O really wants to play."

So will we see Olowokandi in a game this week?

"If things keep progressing between now and then, I don't see why not," Olowokandi said. "When I'm needed, I told coach I'll be ready."