It's official, Caron Butler -- after missing 16 straight games and 19 since Jan. 27 with a small labral tear in his hip -- will start tonight. Eddie Jordan said that Butler has looked explosive and sharp in each practice session and shootaround since he resumed activity this week. Pregame Butler was on the court taking some more work and was near automatic as he worked his way around the arch about a foot inside 3-point range.

Jordan said he has no set plan as to how many minutes Butler will log, and that he and Butler will just have to see how the three-time All-Star, who is averaging 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists, is feeling.

-- Mike Jones