Hornets' Stephenson expects to play vs. Bucks

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Hornets guard Lance Stephenson has returned to practice and says nothing will keep out of the season opener Wednesday night against Milwaukee.

Stephenson is battling a groin injury has missed four preseason games.

He said Tuesday, ''I'm playing'' and added that he feels ''about 90 percent.''

Stephenson moved with a pronounced limp as he shot around after practice Tuesday.

Coach Steve Clifford says the decision will rely heavily on what the team's trainers decide after Stephenson goes through shoot-around before the game. He says the important thing is making sure Stephenson doesn't suffer a setback.

Clifford says Stephenson did a lot of contact drill Tuesday ''but we'll have to wait and see how he does. If there's not a lot of soreness then he will play.''