If yesterday's practice was an indication of what's to come, then Tyrone Hill's return to the Cleveland Cavaliers is near.

Hill, who was traded from Philadelphia to the Cavs during the off-season along with Jumaine Jones, participated in his first practice yesterday. Hill has suffered from back spasms since last summer. He injured his back while lifting weights.

Hill has spent most of his time in rehab or doing some light shooting prior to practice. That changed yesterday when Hill participated in most of the practice. He had a scare when he took a charge and Chris Mihm landed on top of him. Hill slowly got to his feet with a smile that indicated he was fine.

"My back is still sore and I'm hurting a little bit, but the better I feel the more I'll try to push it," Hill said. "I'm trying to get better so I can play on the West Coast trip [Jan. 10-18]. I told [coach John Lucas] that I didn't need a lot of minutes. It won't take me long to get back in shape. It's just a matter of getting out there on the floor."

Big start:

Zydrunas Ilgauskas made his first start of the season on Wednesday against New Jersey. Ilgauskas is coming back from foot surgery.

He played a season-high 25 minutes and had a season-high 12 rebounds. The Cavs have tried to limit Ilgauskas to no more than 24 minutes.

"I felt fine and I didn't notice playing the extra minute," Ilgauskas said. "This is a rehab season and some minutes will get added down the road, but I'm just happy to stay healthy."

No more snow:

Cavs rookie guard Jeff Trepagnier, a native of Los Angeles, had a surprise waiting for him yesterday morning before practice.

"I looked out of my window and I saw white stuff all over the place," Trepagnier said of the light snowfall. "It's the first time I've seen snow. I was nervous when I had to drive in it. When it really starts to snow here, I'm going to stay inside."

Bootless:

Michael Doleac's time on the injured list could be over soon. Doleac was put on the injured list on Dec. 1 because of a stress fracture in his left ankle. His walking boot was removed on Wednesday. Doleac said his ankle feels good and he'll continue to rehab.

Still out:

Lucas said Lamond Murray will remain out of action tonight because of his lower back strain. Murray injured his back against Indiana on Saturday.