Andrew Bynum continues to be sidelined because of a strained left Achilles' tendon.
"I'm going to play the first game of the playoffs," he said before Thursday's game against Denver, the ninth game he'll miss.
Bynum hasn't played since getting injured March 19 against Minnesota but was already looking ahead to returning to practice next week after the regular season ends Wednesday against the Clippers.
"It's definitely going to be a couple of games before you get into your rhythm, but I do have a bunch of practice days to get it in and get my touch back," Bynum said.