Thomas indicated earlier in the week that he was targeting Friday’s game for his
return from an absence that has spanned nearly a month, but the doubtful
designation implies he’ll likely be sidelined once again. Even once Thomas is
cleared to return from a fractured left orbital, his extended time off won’t
guarantee him a spot in coach Jeff Hornacek’s rotation, as rookie Mindaugas
Kuzminskas has stepped up to offer quality production as the main backup to
Carmelo Anthony.