Don't expect Wolves forward Wally Szczerbiak to be playing in Game 4 writes Steve Aschburner of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, with Minnesota coach Flip Saunders describing his status as "doubtful at best."

Szczerbiak fell on his back hard after losing grip on the rim on a dunk late in the third quarter of Game 3 on Saturday night. Absorbing the contact from Nuggets forward Chris Andersen on the play, Szczerbiak suprisingly was able to go to the foul line on the play then stay in the game.

The diagnosis was not as good on Sunday as Szczerbiak was said to be walking gingerly with a swollen, painful back.  As his teammates practiced Wally went for a MRI exam, the result of which will not be known until today.

"I've said it before: He's a tough kid," Saunders said. "He shot that free throw, and found out he was in too much pain to stay in the game. . . . He's definitely hurting."

Fred Hoiberg is expected to step in for Szczerbiak in Game 4, along with forward Gary Trent.  Hoiberg, a free agent signing from Chicago, showed his value earlier in the season playing regularly while Szczerbiak missed 53 games because of a foot injury.

"The rotation may just go back to the things we were doing early," said Hoiberg. "I'm comfortable in that role."

Hoiberg also is familiar with the type of play in which Szczerbiak got hurt. "I've had that happen a few times, and, normally, the day after, you're real stiff," he said. "Then gradually it gets a little better.

"The days off should help so that, if Wally's not able to go Tuesday, he'll be back Friday."