Etan Thomas returned to the Wizards' starting lineup after missing 2 1/2 games with a lower back strain. It was the eighth start of the season for Thomas, who replaced Brendan Haywood at center for the March 27 game at Golden State.

"There's some encouragement getting Etan back, but I just hope that he can get through it," Jordan said before Wednesday night's game. "We don't know that. The first time back. Is he going to tweak it again? You never know."