After Taking a Rough Fall in Exhibition, Watson Still Could Be Ready for Opener

A day after Earl Watson seemed almost resigned to the likelihood of missing at least the season opener because of a lower-back injury, the Bruins offered an encouraging update that said their starting point guard might not miss any games.

Watson did not participate in Friday’s light workout, but that, along with soreness, was predictable after a nasty fall late in an exhibition game the night before. He received treatment, will continue to do so this weekend and could play against Fairfield in the opener Tuesday night at Pauley Pavilion.

The Bruins are not ready to commit to that, but they are hopeful of Watson’s availability. Backup Ryan Bailey returned Thursday after spending the first exhibition game and a large chunk of preseason practice in a walking boot because of a foot injury. Coach Steve Lavin also could go with freshman Jason Kapono, who figures to be somewhere in the opening lineup.

The second and final exhibition game included the first non-practice action for Bailey (15 minutes) and Dan Gadzuric (16) after they missed the Nov. 10 exhibition opener because of injury, and for JaRon Rush (23 minutes) after he was held out against the Lithuanian club team as a disciplinary measure.

Watson was hurt with 37 seconds remaining against the California All-Stars when he landed hard on his back, bruising his tailbone. He later said he momentarily couldn’t move his legs.