Jazz forward Karl Malone was back at work Monday in the team's practice, but his injured knee remains tender.
Malone, who bumped the knee in a Nov. 23 game at Dallas, has been wearing a brace due to swelling and a buildup of fluids. Fluids were drained off the knee last week."It's sore as (expletive)," said Malone on Sunday.
That Malone's knee is hurting isn't surprising. The Jazz played four games in five nights last week; they will do so again this week when they meet Orlando on Tuesday, the Lakers Wednesday, the Clippers Friday and Detroit on Saturday.
Trainer Don Sparks said last week Malone's knee doesn't appear seriously damaged. He indicated there is a chance the problem could be a pinched cartilage.
Meanwhile, guard John Stockton has a bruised thigh. He wore a protective pad in Saturday's contest against Houston, but coach Jerry Sloan said it loosened up and felt better after Stockton played in the game.
Neither player is expected to miss Tuesday's game with Orlando.