The injury report improved dramatically Monday for the Charlotte Bobcats.
Coach Paul Silas anticipates Gerald Henderson, D.J. White and newcomer Reggie Williams all to play tonight when the Bobcats play the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center. This is the closest to full strength the Bobcats have been in weeks.
Henderson missed both games last week against the Washington Wizards with a lower-back contusion. He aggravated the injury in Philadelphia, while taking a charge. He didn't practice Monday, but said the injury was feeling much better, so he expects to play against Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles.
White has been out several games with a knee bruise and a sprained ankle. He practiced fully Monday and expects to play. He will likely back up Boris Diaw at power forward.
Williams, a 3-point specialist, hasn't played all season, after needing knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. He was signed as a free agent in December, after shooting 42 percent from 3-point range for the Golden State Warriors last season.
Williams originally wasn't supposed to play before late this week in Phoenix or next week in Boston. But based on his movement in practice, he was cleared to play against the Lakers. Coach Paul Silas is particularly elated by Williams' availability. The Bobcats were the NBA's second-worst 3-point shooting team last season.
"He looked good (in practice) and he really understands the game. He'll really help our offense," Silas said. "How he passes, how he shoots. Two or three weeks from now I think he's going to be unbelievable."
The Bobcats are still without two starters - point guard D.J. Augustin (inflammation in his right big toe) and small forward Corey Maggette (hamstring strain). Neither is expected to play on the upcoming four-game road trip.
