Dwyane Wade continues to set goal of playoff return from fractured elbow

Thursday marks two weeks since tests confirmed a small fracture in Dwyane Wade’s right elbow, an injury the veteran guard said that day he hoped to recover from in time for the playoffs if the Bulls qualify.

Wade is putting his money where his mouth is.

Coach Fred Hoiberg said Wednesday Wade has been shooting and working out in non-contact drills with the hope of returning if the Bulls qualify for postseason play. But like Wade said two weeks ago, Hoiberg said it’s too early to know if Wade will receive medical clearance.

“He got a really good sweat in (Wednesday),” Hoiberg said. “Just continue to try to increase his workload and hopefully he responds well. He just has a little bit of soreness and stiffness after (shooting), but they want him out there testing it. It’s a work in progress.

“He’s a true pro. He’s working every day. He’s in the weight room, he’s on the treadmill, he’s doing everything that he possibly can. And again, he’s upping his activity on the basketball court. That’s a good sign.”

Wade’s teammates are optimistic for his potential playoff appearance.

“We truly believe that,” Nikola Mirotic said. “We see him every morning working, stretching, doing his treatments, sweating. You can see that he really wants to get back too. It’s important.”

Bombs away: A career 30.1 percent 3-point shooter, Rajon Rondo is connecting at a 51.4 percent clip this month. This stretch has coincided with him returning to the starting lineup.

“I get them up a little bit more,” Rondo said of his 2.7 attempts per game this month, one full attempt more than in February. “Get more in a rhythm. I can miss my first two but then hit three or four in a row.”

Hoiberg, a career 39.6 percent 3-point shooter, cited several factors for the improvement — strong balance, consistent release point, more corner 3-point attempts and Rondo’s work ethic. Rondo routinely returns to the practice facility at night.

“He’s a guy who works at his game constantly,” Hoiberg said.

Layups: Cristiano Felicio, who has missed the last three games with a lower back contusion, practiced fully. How he responds on Thursday will determine whether he’s active against the Cavaliers. … The Bulls recalled Cameron Payne after the guard posted 20 points, nine assists and five rebounds in the Windy City Bulls’ Tuesday victory over Erie in the Developmental League.

http://embed.sendtonews.com/player2/embedcode.php?fk=AFi9PEcr&cid=4591