Wizards getting themselves healthy for season opener

1. Glen Rice Jr. aiming to play in season opener

Rice Jr.'s day-to-day status remains, as he continues to work his way back to health following his twisted ankle vs. Maccabi Haifa last week. He's been moving on the court and shooting, though apparently staying away from lateral movements for the time being.

Glen Rice Jr. took a few shots at end of practice, but was limited to that. He’s also done cardio. He’s not sure when he can return.

— Jorge Castillo (@jorgeccastillo) October 19, 2014

Loading

Glen Rice isn't doing a whole lot of lateral movement but is shooting #WizardsTalk @csnma @csnwizards #NBA

View on Instagram

Despite initially fearing the worst, Rice is hopeful to play in the season opener.

2. Kris Humphries to get hand re-examined

It's been 11 days since his surgery to repair nerve damage after cutting his finger on the rim against the Chicago Bulls. He'll be getting his hand re-examined and there's a chance he can get his stitches removed today as well.

Plus, Randy Wittman said these enlightening words about Humphries, via Comcast SportsNet:

"I think Kris is going to see the doctor tomorrow and maybe be able to get the stitches out," Wittman said. "So that's headed in the right direction."

So, there's that.

3. No Paul Pierce vs. the Pelicans

He sat out yesterday's practice with some soreness in his knee after banging it in Friday's loss to the Charlotte Hornets. But it looks like he'll be okay. No need to tough anything out in the preseason.

Pierce, 37, appears to be a scratch for Monday's game vs. the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday at Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore (CSN, 7 p.m. ET).

"Paul didn't do anything today. ... He's going to be fine," Wittman said. "If it's sore like it is today I'll probably sit him out. Bone bruises can be more of an irritant because of the soreness of it more than anything else. There's probably  a chance that he probably won't play."

4. Wizards staying focused

The Wizards mentioned at the start of training camp that guys were coming in hours before practice started to hit the weight room, get extra shots up or get treatment in order to be ready to go when practice time arrived.

It seems that mentality is continuing so far, despite guys certainly itching to get past these preseason games and into the real games.

"We are more focused now. We are more mature," Gortat said. "The way we were practicing in the playoffs, we've continue to practice the same way now. Last year we had a lot of joking, clowning, talking-trash to each other. ... We changed. We're definitely a much better practice team. We definitely don't rest."

5. Wizards face Pelicans tonight

The Wizards will face the Pelicans tonight in this preseason's Baltimore Classic game, held at the Royal Farms Arena (formerly Baltimore Arena) in Baltimore, MD. Tip off is at 7 p.m.

The game will be televised live on Comcast SportsNet and can be heard on the team's 99.1 WNEW radio station.