Hornets' Batum still hopeful for Game 4 vs. Heat

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Charlotte Hornets forward Nicolas Batum says he hasn't ruled himself out for Game 4 of Charlotte's first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat on Monday night.

Batum missed Game 3 with a strained left foot sustained in Game 2, while reports suggested he was likely to miss the remainder of the series. The Hornets won 96-80 on Saturday night to pull the series to 2-1.

Batum walked around at practice Sunday, his left foot heavily taped, and shot some mid-range jumpers.

Batum says the ankle has improved and some of the swelling has subsided since he injured it on Wednesday. ''I hope (I can play), but I really can't say yes or no," Batum said Sunday. "I don't know how I'm going to feel (Monday). I am doing everything I can to be back as soon as possible.''

Batum is averaging 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in the playoffs.