Wizards' Butler sidelined with back spasms

Washington Wizards All-Star forward Caron Butler remained sidelined Monday with lower back spasms, while Antawn Jamison returned to practice for the first time since injuring his knee last month.

Butler was unable to play in Sunday's 98-94 loss at Minnesota, the first game he has missed this season, and his status is uncertain for Tuesday's game against the New Jersey Nets.

"Caron is certainly a game-time decision," coach Eddie Jordan said.

Butler said his back had been bothering him for a week and was aggravated when the Wizards had to take a 160-mile bus ride to Minneapolis late Saturday because of a diverted flight.

"It's real tight and I am not as mobile as I want to be out there," Butler said. "If it was something I could play through, I would definitely play through it, but it got to the point where it was too hard." I want to be a hero, but I want to be a healthy one."

Butler is the Wizards' second-leading scorer (20.3) and rebounder (7.6). Jarvis Hayes started in Butler's place Sunday and went 1-for-10 from the field.

ALSO: Dallas Mavericks guard Greg Buckner missed Monday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks with a bruised left knee ... Clippers point guard Shaun Livingston dislocated his left knee and had to be wheeled off the court on a stretcher during Monday night's game against Charlotte.