Tim

Thomas

Rookie Trevor Ariza is still adjusting to playing on back-to-back nights, so the change did not come last night. Looks like just a matter of time, though.

Tests on his knee revealed a bruise. Coach Lenny Wilkens is hoping to have Thomas back this weekend, at which point he could back up Jerome Williams.

Thomas, who has started just once since refusing to go back into a game against Denver on March 26, would replace Marcus Haislip at power forward.

Thomas should play on Friday night in the final preseason game.

Thomas, along with Desmond Mason and Michael Redd, will be the go-to players on the Bucks this season.

Tim Thomas is expected to be the small forward, despite missing six preseason games with a calf injury. Porter said Thomas is ready to play. The team had issued a ''probable’’ starting lineup that had rookie T.J. Ford at point guard, Desmond Mason at shooting guard, Joe Smith at power forward, and Brian Skinner at center joining Thomas. Michael Redd would be the sixth man. When asked if that was official, Porter said, ''That lineup? Not really.’'

Coach Terry Porter doubted that Thomas would be available this week.

Thomas has now missed eight games with an ankle injury. The team hopes to have him back for the road trip which begins Sunday, but that’s far from a certainty.

“I’m trying to do everything possible to get back on the court,” he said. Thomas hasn’t played since suffering a bruised lower back and ankle in Game 1.

X-rays on Thomas’ hyperextended right elbow were negative.