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Butler hopes to return on birthday as Wizards host Cavaliers

Mar 13, 2008 - 1:27 PM Cleveland (37-28) at Washington (31-32) 8:00 pm EDT

WASHINGTON (Ticker) - All-Star forward Caron Butler hopes to have a triumphant return to the Washington Wizards lineup on his 28th birthday Thursday.

Butler is expected to play when the Wizards host MVP candidate LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Butler, who has missed 16 straight and 19 of the 21 contests with a hip injury, returned to practice on Wednesday.

"I feel good," Butler said. "I went through a full practice again and I felt good. After (Wednesday) practice, I went in the back and got a little treatment and I still feel good. If I wake up (Thursday) and feel the same way, I'll definitely be on the court."

Washington could certainly use the boost, as Butler was averaging 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists prior to the injury.

A two-time All-Star, Butler will have one of the toughest assignments in the league in his first game back - trying to contain James.

James has been ridiculously hot lately, averaging 37.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.4 assists in helping the Cavaliers win five of their last seven games. The 24-year-old recorded 42 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in a 104-99 loss to New Jersey on Wednesday.

The All-Star Game MVP, James has lit up the Wizards to the tune of 30.1 points, 8.2 assists and 6.1 assists in his last 15 games in the series. Cleveland has gone 12-3 over that span.