Branson Wright of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports: The stage was set for Tyrone Hill to make his debut on the Cavaliers' West Coast swing.

So there was talk of Hill returning to the court for the first time since last year's NBA Finals. It was hoped tonight's game at Denver, the first of six road games in nine days, would be the beginning of Hill's comeback.

The Cavs will have to hope for another time.

"My back flared up last Friday," Hill said. "Now I'm behind schedule. I probably can't play until the end of this month or the beginning of February. I'll try to practice while we're in Seattle [tomorrow], but my back has been stiff for the past three days."

Hill's return also could be delayed because of another factor.

"The team told me that I can't play until I've had at least eight practices," Hill said. "I've had about one or two, but waiting for at least eight practices before I play is something new to me. I'm not complaining, but if a guy's ready to play, he's ready to play."

"My time will come," Hill said. "I'm disappointed that I haven't been able to play, but one thing's for sure when I do come back: I'll bring my lunch pail and my hard hat to the court. That's the way I've always played and that's what I'll bring when I return."