Leonard Laye of the Charlotte Observer reports: The Hornets hope to get a progress report on injured forward Jamal Mashburn after a workout today at the team's training center. But don't expect any definitive results on Mashburn's future for a while.

Mashburn, out since November with a lower abdominal strain, missed his 23rd game Saturday night as Charlotte lost 89-80 to New Jersey at the Charlotte Coliseum.

Mashburn and his personal trainer, Ed Downs, spent a week in early December in Vancouver, working with a physical therapist who specializes in treatment of such injuries, which are most common to hockey players. The therapist came to Charlotte this weekend.

"The guy is going to test him (Sunday)," coach Paul Silas said. "So we'll know after that, I guess, just where he is (in his treatment)."

Whatever report the Hornets get will likely not be definitive. The options appear to be two: either continue the treatment, if he is making progress, or have surgery. The decision will be Mashburn's and he is not expected to make it for several weeks, a source said. The therapist is expected to remain in Charlotte, working with Mashburn and Downs through next week.