SOCHI, Russia -- Pavel Datsyuk took a significant step toward playing in Russias Olympic opener by participating in practice. Datsyuk, who missed his teams first practice while nursing a lower-body injury, took line rushes between Ilya Kovalchuk and Alexander Radulov. Alexander Svitov had been holding a place for him. Coach Zinetula Bilyaletdinov said through an interpreter Monday he didnt think the injury was serious enough to keep Datsyuk from playing Thursday against Slovenia. The 35-year-old star centre missed over a month with the injury, returning to play less than 15 minutes each in two games for the Detroit Red Wings prior to the Olympic break. Detroit general manager Ken Holland said he understood Datsyuks desire to play in this tournament, adding that he hopes his player and the Russians make the right decisions about his health. Penguins Jerseys 2019 . After not scoring 40 points in the opening quarter in the last five seasons, the Rockets have done it five times this season and twice in the last three games. Pittsburgh Penguins Gear . -- The Sacramento Kings and guard Jimmer Fredette have completed a buyout of his contract, clearing the way for the former BYU sensation to become a free agent. https://www.cheappenguinsjersey.com/ . Still, its a start. Josh Baileys goal with 1:40 left capped a furious third-period rally, and the Islanders edged the Penguins 4-3 on Friday night. Penguins Jerseys China . -- Brady Heslip scored a season-high 20 points to help Baylor beat No. Fake Penguins Jerseys . -- Derek Jeter spoke for 25 minutes, 44 seconds and answered 26 questions about his decision to retire at the end of this season.1. DENNIS SCHRODER (Hawks): This young man is coming into his own this year off the bench in Atlanta. Explosive and quick, he can score and get into the lane efficiently. Averaging over nine PPG and three assists per game while shooting 52 per cent. Playing more under control and gives their second unit some offensive pop. More of a slasher at this stage yet he doesnt take many poor shots which is why his shooting percentage is sound. As he improves his shooting range, hell be an even tougher cover. Improving player. 2. TRISTAN THOMPSON (Cavs): Nice to see him have a terrific game on Friday night in his return to his hometown Toronto. His season numbers (9 and 6 / 51 per cent) might not wow you but I think this is a really good group for him to play with and as he continues to improve and build the trust of his new coaches and Lebron James, I see his role growing. Wonderful rebounding skills and finishes with force around the rim. Still raw in terms of the post moves but that will come. High energy guy who is a good teammate. I see good things ahead. 3. TYLER ZELLER (Celtics): Has replaced Kelly Olynk in the lineup and has played solid ball of late (9 and 7 / 60 percent in the past 10 games). Runs the floor well and is willing to mix it up. Athletic and takes the ball to the basket hard. Can faace up and make mid-range shot and will go to the offensive boards for you.dddddddddddd. Some nice young post guys that coach Brad Stevens has to work with in Zeller and Olynk. Neither is a finished product but both possess good potential. 4. ENES KANTER (Jazz): Averaging close to 14 PPG and 7 RPG this year, shooting 53 per cent and in the two games Ive seen him in person recently Ive been impressed with the strides hes making. His footwork has improved significantly and hes got a knack for getting his game off in tight quarters. Quicker than he looks - made a few moves that I didnt think he could make in the lane and with decisiveness. Decent face up game. Always looked a bit clumsy and awkward to me and now has some fluidity and purpose to what he does. Whatever he did during the off season - keep doing it. 5. STEVE BLAKE (Blazers): For a guy that averages less than five points a game, you might ask how can this guy impact a good team. Hes averaging close to five assists coming off the bench and hes a tenacious defender and gritty competitor. Last year, Mo Williams did a decent job off the bench for them but I think Blake is a better fit with his selfless/hard-nosed style of play. The Blazers bench has played better this year and his leadership and veteran savvy are a huge key. ' ' '