Sixers' Andrew Bynum still optimistic on a return to court

There is still no timeline, but, at least as far as Andrew Bynum is concerned, there is optimism.

Bynum spoke on Monday following the 76ers practice, and, while he didn't say when he will return to the court, he indicated with confidence that things are getting better.

"It's definitely moving in a positive direction," said Bynum, who has missed all of training camp and the regular season with bone bruises and swelling cartilage in both knees. "I'm feeling better every day. I'm back to the weights and on the treadmill, and I should be running here soon."

When last he spoke, a few days before Christmas, Bynum and the Sixers said that he was on a six-step program geared at getting him back on the court, a place Bynum, acquired in a trade last summer, hasn't been since he was a member of the Los Angeles Lakers in May.

However, the Sixers (15-20) desperately need Bynum to return soon if they are going to have any chance at making the playoffs. They just returned from an eight-game road trip on which they won just two games. They have lost 14 of their last 19 games after beginning the season 10-6. The Sixers host the Brooklyn Nets (19-15) on Tuesday.

Bynum reported that his right knee, on which he suffered the original bone bruise, was "feeling great." He also said that the left knee, which he believes he injured while bowling, is also better.

What is also encouraging is that Bynum has not been scheduled for any more doctor appointments or MRIs. He also indicated that his personal doctor, David W. Altchek, was leaving decisions about what's next up to Bynum and the team's staff of doctors and trainers.

"Right now, the doctor has said that it will resolve itself," Bynum said of his injury. According to Bynum, Altchek told him, "It's going to be either 100 percent fine, or your knee will swell up and give us signals that there is a problem."

"But as of right now," Bynum said, "my knee is fine, and I think we are out of the woods with that."

While the news was encouraging to the Sixers, both coach Doug Collins and his players continue to say that they will focus on playing games without Bynum.

"Until we see him out on the floor and no setbacks and all of that stuff, we wait," Collins said. "I don't want to take my mind to that spot. I've got to focus in on how to try and get some wins with the group we have."

But Collins, who spent Monday preparing the Sixers to play their fourth straight back-to-back series, noticed a difference in Bynum.

"I'm sensing he feels better about where he's heading," Collins said. "I think he's starting to sense that maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel."

Wayns' return? The Sixers are considering signing Maalik Wayns to a 10-day contract. They waived the rookie on Sunday.