Blazers' Oden (foot) returns to lineup after missing six games

He missed the start of his lone season at Ohio State after needing surgery on his right wrist, missed the bulk of the 2007 NBA summer league season with tonsillitis, and even a slightly sprained ankle this year in training camp was a cause for concern.

"It's kind of tough for a player who's been sitting out a whole year. It's tough," said Heat guard Daequan Cook, who was Oden's teammate at Ohio State. "We've been talking. We hung out these last few days and he looked a lot better, a lot healthier, a lot stronger. I'm looking forward to finally seeing him get a chance to play face-to-face."

Cook said he doesn't think it will take Oden long to regain the form that made him one of the most dominant college players two years ago.

"It's nothing but getting back to the flow and getting back to the groove of the game you're used to playing," Cook said. "It's going to take some time. You can't just come straight out scoring 30 and 10. It's a long season. You're going to get your opportunities and he's the type of player who's going to take advantage of the opportunities."

After a year-plus of injury issues, Oden is clearly hoping the worst is over.

"I'm anxious to be back out there," Oden said. "There's really no other words for it."