THE SIDELINES : Nets Rookie Cleared for Play

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — X-rays of Derrick Coleman’s sprained left knee did not reveal any major damage and there is a chance the New Jersey Nets rookie might play tonight against the Houston Rockets.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong,” Nets Coach Bill Fitch said Thursday. “He’s going to be day to day. It’s nothing other than a sprain. It’s like any sprained wrist or knee. He overextended himself.”

Coleman, who did not practice Thursday, was examined by team physician Dr. John Sonzogni, Nets spokesman John Mertz said. Ice and muscle stimulation were applied to the knee, Mertz added.

Coleman, who has almost single-handedly turned the Nets into a competitive team this season, sprained the knee Wednesday night against Atlanta in a collision with teammate Kurk Lee late in the second quarter.