"Today could be a big day in Mo Williams' recovery from a strained hip flexor. To this point, his rehab has been confined to light shooting, bike riding and running in a hydrotherapy pool. He is expected to do some strenuous running during practice today.

Williams, who has missed two weeks with the hip injury, did not accompany the team on its brief road trip to Florida earlier in the week. To this point, he hasn't suffered any setbacks.

''We've been doing lot of exercises to build strength up,'' he said. ''Rehab is going great. I haven't had any [setbacks]. That's always positive when you're rehabbing and getting back. You want to stay on course.''

Williams grew a beard while he was away from the team. He'll be allowed to keep it because he got approval from the boss — his wife.

''She likes it,'' he said."