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Chris Kaman (Plantar Fasciits, left foot), Mardy Collins (strained left calf) and Mike Taylor (right thumb) are out.

Jameer Nelson (torn right labrum) is out.

Being ahead of schedule, what kind of basketball activities are you able to?

MT: It’s really important for me to keep my conditioning up. I’m in the pools doing a lot of water conditioning at the Training Center. I’m also on the treadmills running and I’m on the court doing as many drills as I can with my left hand. It’s actually been really helpful for me in becoming more versatile with my right and now left hand.

Does your team mentality change when you are limited to injury?

MT: Yeah, my mentality changes a bit. I’ve always been the guy who brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the game on the court. Now I’m in a situation where I have to bring that energy from the bench by encouraging and supporting my teammates. In terms of the way I see the game, my mentally has changed too. It’s actually been a bit of a plus for me to watch from the sidelines because I’ve really been able to step back and slow the game down in my mind. As a point guard, a key part of my game is being able to dissect the game and see the court, and the more I can slow down the game, the more effective I am in my position. Even though I would absolutely rather be playing than injured, being injured has actually helped me see the game better.

From what we’ve seen in the photos to what we’ve heard from DJ, you two hang out a lot, do you click the most with DJ?

MT: Yeah, I probably kick it with DJ the most on and off the court. We show up to the games together (like we did for Rookie Tuxedo Night) and we’ll go and grab a bite to eat after games and on off-days. But at the same time, I pretty much click with everybody. I just like to crack jokes, and before I know it, everyone’s pitching in and we’re all having a good time laughing. It’s always a really fun atmosphere when the whole team is together.