Trevor Ariza injury: Wizards' forward hopes to practice Monday

The Washington Wizards may be getting Trevor Ariza back into the lineup pretty soon. Ariza is coming along in his recovery from a strained left calf and could return to practice on Monday, according to coach Randy Wittman.

Via Michael Lee of the Washington Post:

"He's coming along good," Wittman said of Ariza, who strained his left calf in the third quarter of the Wizards' stunning 105-101 victory over the Miami Heat on Dec. 4. "We'll see how the next couple of games, go. He's still got a little tightness in there."

Ariza was warming up before Friday's game against the Orlando Magic, so he's clearly working to come back. While his game can be frustrated, the Wizards have definitely missed him. Martell Webster has not carried over his strong play off the bench as a starter, and Cartier Martin, while a hot shooter, has hurt the Wizards with some defensive lapses.