Wizards’ Butler to return this week

Wizards' Butler to return this week

WASHINGTON -- Washington Wizards coach Flip Saunders expects forward Caron Butler to return Tuesday night against Cleveland.

The two-time All-Star sat out last night's game against New Jersey because of a bruised left kneecap he suffered when he dived to the floor for a rebound in the second quarter of Friday's loss to Atlanta.

Butler had an X-ray and an MRI, with no structural damage found. Saunders says the injury is "nothing to be overly concerned with" and that there's a "pretty good chance" Butler will play in Washington's next game.

Cavaliers' West expected to play

CLEVELAND -- Cavaliers guard Delonte West has been actived for the first time this season and expects to play against the Charlotte Bobcats.

The troubled West, who has battled personal and legal issues, did not play during the preseason and sat out Cleveland's first three games. Cavs coach Mike Brown said West would not start but would likely come in off the bench against the Bobcats.

Elsewhere

• The New York Knicks have changed their lineup, giving Danilo Gallinari his first start of the season, replacing Al Harrington last night against Philadelphia. Gallinari averaged 19 points and made 10 3-pointers in the Knicks' first two games.

New Jersey Nets point guard Devin Harris says he's out at least a week because of a sore right groin. Harris sat out last night's game against the Washington Wizards and will leave the team today to see a specialist in Chicago. -- From Wire Reports