According to Ross Siler, with Sam Cassell's bad back showing few signs of improvement Saturday, the Minnesota Timberwolves could have a certain 7-foot league MVP playing point guard sooner rather than later.

After sitting out the fourth quarter Friday as his back tightened, Cassell watched practice but could not participate Saturday.

"Crying isn't going to make it better," Cassell told the Associated Press on Saturday. "I just have to continue to do what I can do when I'm out there."

Though Cassell plans on playing in tonight Game 2, Minnesota coach Flip Saunders said his point guard's availability had not been determined.

"It was not very good today," Saunders said, "so we'll see how it is tomorrow."