Jordan to play preseason games

Reversing an earlier decision, Michael Jordan will be in the starting line-up when the Washington Wizards face the Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat in preseason games later this week.

Jordan announced earlier Wednesday that he was still trying to get into shape after three years on the sidelines and planned to sit out the Wizards' first two preseason road games against the Pistons on Thursday and the Heat on Saturday.

"After making my first announcement earlier today, I realized that many fans purchased tickets for these games to see me in my return," Jordan said.

"I don't want the fans to be disappointed. Therefore I will alter my original plans and play in Detroit and Miami."

The team said that although the returning superstar would start, Jordan would play "limited" minutes in the two games.

Jordan, 38, is returning to the court for the first time since leading the Chicago Bulls to the 1998 NBA championship.

He begins his comeback in earnest when Washington opens its regular season on October 30 against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

The Wizards broke training camp on Wednesday in Wilmington, North Carolina, Jordan's hometown.