News briefs: Kobe's ankle improves, may start on Wednesday

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Kobe Bryant's sprained right ankle has improved and the Los Angeles Lakers' star might play Wednesday night against the New Orleans Hornets.

Team spokesman John Black said it would probably be a game-time decision.

"The ankle was better today, he showed some nice improvement," Black said. "The swelling has come down. We're still going to list him as day-to-day."

Bryant was injured early in the third quarter of Monday night's 101-87 victory over Indiana when he got an offensive rebound and missed an off-balance shot before landing on Pacers center Jeff Foster's right foot. Bryant scored 21 points before getting hurt.

Bryant received treatment at the Lakers' training facility, and didn't practice. Black said the treatment would continue for the next couple of days. Full story

Sonics' Allen out with foot injury

SEATTLE -- All-Star guard Ray Allen was inactive for against the Atlanta Hawks with a strained tendon in his right foot.

Allen didn't sound overly concerned about the injury -- mostly discomfort and pain just below his ankle -- but still missed his first game of the season. Allen is scheduled to have an MRI Wednesday morning, and the Sonics hope to learn then how long they might be without their leading scorer.

"It's giving me a lot of uncomfortableness when I move to my right side," Allen said. "I've always said if you're injured you don't play, you sit down. In this case, I don't think it's going to help me out or I'm going to be able to help this team out by going out and playing tonight."

Allen said the injury first became noticeable on Saturday during pregame warmups in Utah. Allen couldn't recall any missteps a night early at home against Indiana, but nearly pulled himself out against the Jazz. Trainer Mike Shimensky was able to adjust inserts in Allen's shoes and he played through the discomfort, scoring a game-high 33 points, including 20 in the fourth quarter as the Sonics lost 107-105.

Hornets' Jackson sits out with cracked rib

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Bobby Jackson, a starting guard for the New Orleans Hornets, has a cracked left rib and will be out for about two weeks.

Jackson was injured Nov. 28 in a game against the Toronto Raptors, and he sat out Friday's game against Chicago.

Jackson is one of three injured Hornets starters. Guard Peja Stojakovic remains out with back spasms, and forward David West has been sidelined with a strained right forearm.