Reality setting in for Jet

Jason Terry was hoping that a broken bone in his hand would be like a headache -- that it would go away relatively quickly.

Before tonight's game, though, Terry was a little downcast after visiting team physician Dr. T.O. Souryal on Tuesday.

"Six weeks,'' Terry said. "That's the first time they've given me a timetable.''

Terry said all of the X-rays looked good. The pins are where they should be and the bone is healing like it should since last week's surgery.

But any early return seems less likely now. The original estimates of three-to-six weeks for an injury of this ilk now seem to be fairly accurate. Terry still is wearing the brace to protect the hand and wrist.

Asked if there was any chance Terry was sandbagging media members, he shook his head no. It's been nine days since the surgery. That would mean another 4 1/2 weeks could be needed before Terry returns, which would be in late March. --Eddie Sefko