Artest activated from injured list

Artest, who scored 12 points on 3-of-9 shooting, had been sidelined after undergoing surgery on February 19 to repair a ligament tear in his left thumb. He originally strained the thumb during a January 17 game against New Jersey and then aggravated the injury during a loss against New Orleans on February 17 when he fell on the hand.

Artest had a follow-up examination on Monday in New York and was cleared by Dr. Michelle Carlson to play. He will wear protective padding around the thumb.

The 24-year-old Artest is in the midst of the best season of his career, as he is averaging 18.0 points and 5.3 rebounds over 52 games.