Basketball: Injury forces Jordan to miss out

Michael Jordan had fluid drained from his right knee and will miss the Washington Wizards' game at San Antonio.

An MRI revealed no serious damage to the knee, so Jordan might return for Thursday's game at Houston.

"My body is sending me messages, and I need to listen," Jordan said. "I hope to be ready to play on Thursday."

Jordan hyper-extended his knee during a preseason game, and this was the second time he has had fluid drained from it.

He has been bothered by soreness and swelling in the knee - on top of the tendonitis he has felt in both knees since he resumed workouts earlier this year.

At 38, Jordan has barely been able to practice for more than a week. When he does, he can't make it through the entire session.

Jordan is averaging 24.8 points and 38 minutes per game and is shooting just 40%, well below his career average. He also leads the league in shots taken and shots missed.

"We're pleased with the results of Michael's examination," Wizards general manager Wes Unseld said.

"Michael will rest the knee for a few days and continue his treatment so that he can return as soon as possible."

The wear and tear of an NBA schedule on Jordan's body seemed the biggest obstacle in his second comeback.

He was slowed by back spasms and two cracked ribs as well as the knee tendonitis in workouts to get in shape over the summer. He has also been playing with a sore right wrist.