Jan 27, 2009 9:23 AM EST

Cavaliers' center Zydrunas Ilgauskas is hoping to return from a sprained left ankle against the Magic on Thursday night.

He got back on the practice court last Tuesday and has increased his workload as time has passed.

"I missed not playing. I missed the guys," Ilgauskas said. "I've been home all this time, so I missed the camaraderie. It has been frustrating.

"So more than anything, I'm happy to get a sweat in, starting playing and be around the guys. I missed it a lot."

Via Cleveland Plain Dealer