Rockets' Asik struggles with recovery from knee injury

Omer Asik has repeatedly been able to make strides and greatly increase workouts, but each time he seems close to being able to return, the swelling in his knee returns.

The Rockets sent him for the more detailed MRI last week, but it showed no damage to the knee.

Asik initially went out after a bruised thigh Dec. 2. Swelling developed in his knee soon after, forcing him to miss the next 11 games, an absence made an even greater issue with backup center Greg Smith also out.