Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown updated the status of three of his injured players Monday and the news is most encouraging for guard Dion Waiters.
Brown said Waiters went through all contact drills in practice and there's a chance he could play in Tuesday night's game against the Spurs. Waiters has been out the last seven games after hyperextending his knee on a dunk but is ready to get back on the court.
"The knee feels good, just a little bit of aching," Waiters said. "But it's OK. I'm looking forward to playing tomorrow."
Center Anderson Varejao, who has missed the last ten games due to an injured back, went through part of practice but only participated in half of contact activity. Brown rated Varejao's odds of playing as unlikely but would not rule it out. Guard C.J. Miles has been out with an ankle injury and did not participate in practice.
Waiters considers himself lucky to be on the brink of returning.
"At first, I thought I tore something right away," he said. "But I'm just thankful. I thank God every day for not tearing anything."
Since Waiters has been out, the Cavs have acquired center Spencer Hawes from Philadelphia and notched their signature win of the season in Oklahoma City. Waiters is looking forward to his first opportunity to play with Hawes and is optimistic about the team's prospects.
"When we get everybody back and healthy, I think we can make a great playoff run," Waiters said. "I just can't wait to get back out there and be a part of it."
