Michael Olowokandi has been told to take at least two more weeks off before testing his sore left knee, which could jeopardize his availability for the start of the season Oct. 30 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
"I'm very hopeful I'll be there for the first game," he said before the Clippers' beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 106-96, in an exhibition at Staples Center on Sunday night. "I've lost a half an inch of muscle [in his leg].... I'm confident it's something I can work with.... It's better to treat it before the season starts rather than during the 82-game schedule."
Olowokandi said he injured his knee while working out during the off-season.
"That's all I did," he said. "I prepared for this season. I hardly took any time off.... I felt a little discomfort. Once training camp started, I thought I could fight it off."
The pain became too much to ignore, however.
An MRI exam indicated Olowokandi was suffering from bruised cartilage. He has been resting the knee and taking anti-inflammatory drugs.
Olowokandi, power forward Elton Brand, top reserve Quentin Richardson, backup point guard Keyon Dooling, small forward Lamar Odom and first-round draft picks Melvin Ely and Chris Wilcox could not play against the Grizzlies.
