Lauren Jackson still questionable to play against Minnesota

Storm forward Lauren Jackson remains questionable to play tonight due to a left Achilles strain. Jackson, the team's leading scorer, missed Friday's win in Sacramento because of the injury suffered Wednesday.

"I literally took a step and I felt something in the back of my foot just tighten up in a ball," said Jackson of leaving the Detroit game in the third quarter and not returning. "Normally I'm doing something stupid or getting hit. But taking a step, you don't really think that you're going to hurt yourself. Especially in a game like that when there's so many elbows being thrown and people getting kicked.

"But every day I've been feeling better, so hopefully I'll be all right."

While the Storm (9-6) pounded the Monarchs 69-56 on the road, Jackson worked with a foot specialist in Seattle to heal her injury. When the players returned Saturday, they all watched film and Jackson participated in shooting drills, ending the light session on the elliptical trainer.

If Jackson is unable to play against Minnesota (9-6), which is tied with Seattle for second place in the Western Conference, center Janell Burse will start.

"I think we're moving in a positive direction, but it remains day to day," said Storm coach Brian Agler, who limited the remainder of the team to keep them fresh. "We're going to evaluate the whole situation. Our interest is we want to perform well and we want our players to be healthy."

Jackson, a 6-foot-5 forward, missed 11 games — including the postseason — last summer due to right ankle surgery. Before surgery, she played on the ankle because of Olympic competition, but will not take any chances with this injury.

"Because it's in the Achilles area, I want to make sure it's right," said Jackson, who has tendinitis in the foot. "Make sure it's something I'm not going to injure anymore or make worse at all. Otherwise it could be very, very, very bad for me personally."

Jackson, a seven-time All-Star, is even contemplating missing the upcoming midseason showcase on Saturday in Connecticut. Voted a starter by fans, she hasn't made any final decisions, however, waiting to see how the injury progresses.

Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com