Emeka Okafor was sent back to Charlotte to have an MRI performed on the left calf strain that cost him the past three games.

"The way they described the swelling, it was unusual," coach Bernie Bickerstaff told the Observer before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers. "We need him to get an MRI and start an extensive rehab program."

Bickerstaff said he "doubts very seriously" Okafor can recover in time to rejoin the team for any of this six-game Western Conference trip.