Miami Heat forward LeBron James returned to practice on Saturday after missing three days with tightness in his hamstring.
James, who first felt discomfort in a game against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday, completed all of the Heat's normal drills, and also participated in a team scrimmage, according to a report by the The Miami Herald.
"It felt OK,'' James said after practicing."A 100 percent, I wouldn't say, but I was able to go through every contact drill … [I] didn't have to sit out if I didn't need to.''
James couldn't guarantee that he'd be able to play in the team's preseason game against the Bobcats on Monday, but did say that he'd be available if he could "go through another workout session like today."
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra confirmed James' statement, saying "we have to see how he responds [Saturday]. If he's ready for [Sunday], we'll play him [Sunday]. If he keeps on feeling better, we'll play him [Monday]."
The Heat are 3-2 this preseason, but have been forced to play without several of their key players. Dwyane Wade has been absent while dealing with an ongoing custody battle with his ex-wife, and remains in Chicago. Carlos Arroyo, Jamaal Magloire, and Mario Chalmers have all missed time with injuries as well, and Eddie House has yet to appear in a preseason game.
The Heat are expected to have most if not all of their injured players available for their season opener against the Celtics on October 26.
