DETROIT — Cam Thomas is close to returning, and sources told the Post there is optimism within the Nets organization that he could return this weekend.
Thomas missed his sixth straight game Thursday with a right ankle and midfoot sprain.
“Like I said before, it wasn’t anything too serious. Just rehabbing and making sure I’m good enough to play the way I think I can play there. Playing a little bit more like myself. Try it,” Thomas said before the Nets’ 118-112 loss to the Pistons. “I need to play in a few games or something. Let’s see. If they say I’m ready to play, I can play anytime. I followed the doctor’s word and now I’m in the rehab process. We are proceeding.”
Thomas, the Nets’ second-leading scorer with an average of 20.9 points, sprained his left ankle on Nov. 8 and did not return until Nov. 30. However, he missed nine games with an injury to his other ankle, so his symptoms are less severe this time around. strict.
The Nets play in Charlotte on Saturday and in Cleveland on Sunday, and the source said the team is aiming to return for one of those games.
“We’re very hopeful that he’ll be able to play. His progress is going very well. We’ll have to see where his mental state is,” interim head coach Kevin Ollie said. “And, like I said, I’m consulting with our excellent medical team. They’ve been doing a great job for us all season. So we’re looking at Cam Thomas. , I have had open communication with both the medical staff and the coaching staff, and I look forward to being on the court soon.”
Cam Johnson did not play in Thursday’s game. An MRI scan on Wednesday confirmed he had sprained his right ankle.
“He hasn’t traveled as of yet,” Ollie said. “We’re still evaluating him back at our facility, but we haven’t made a determination that he might come later. But we’re still evaluating injuries, just like anything else. I’m taking it one day at a time and hoping for the best.
“That said, we want him to be 100 percent, so we don’t want them to come back and get injured again for a long period of time. So other players have to step up. We want to take advantage of this time and get stronger and more capable so that we can soon get through this long fourth quarter stretch with everyone healthy.”
Backup center Dayron Sharpe was initially listed as questionable with a right wrist contusion and was sidelined.
Lonnie Walker IV, who scored 21 points, played after being late added to injured reserve with a suspected illness.
Dennis Smith Jr. made his second start of the season.
The Nets game in Milwaukee on March 21 will not be shown on NBA TV.
Tilt will be aired by WWOR, not YES Network: April 1, 6, 12, and 14. That day, the Yankees will be broadcast on his YES.
