Bucks' Bogut expected to start in season opener

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MILWAUKEE -- Bucks center Andrew Bogut is expected to start Milwaukee's season opener at Detroit on Wednesday night after rejoining practice over the weekend.

Bogut, the top pick in the 2005 NBA draft, was diagnosed with a lower left leg sprain after he banged his leg into teammate Steve Blake's knee during a scrimmage Oct. 7. The injury originally was expected to sideline him six to eight weeks.

	Bogut

But Bogut returned to the court last week to shoot and do some individual drills, then practiced over the weekend.

After taking part in a full practice Monday, Bogut said he should be ready for the season opener.

"About Wednesday I did a fitness test and passed it," Bogut said. "I did a full session Saturday and a full session today, and I'm feeling fine."

He said his goal since the injury was to return in time for the opener.

"It was more of a challenge to try to get back quicker," he said. "Three weeks is good enough for me."

Coach Terry Stotts said he expected to use Bogut in the starting lineup, with Brian Skinner and Dan Gadzuric as reserves.

The rest of the starting lineup is expected to include guards Michael Redd and Mo Williams and forwards Ruben Patterson and Charlie Villanueva.

Forward Bobby Simmons has been sidelined with a heel injury.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press

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