Olajuwon, Maxwell Pump Iron

The conditions of Hakeem Olajuwon and Vernon Maxwell, who are being treated for iron-deficiency anemia, are improving, Houston Rockets team doctor Jim Muntz said Friday.

But neither is likely to play against the Milwaukee Bucks Saturday night, Muntz said.

Both Olajuwon and Maxwell are up the equivalent of 1 units of blood, he said.

“They’re both coming up nicely - quicker than expected,” Muntz said.

The two missed games against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers this week after being diagnosed Tuesday. Both had complained of fatigue before being examined.

Muntz said the iron supplements Olajuwon and Maxwell are taking should correct the condition.

“I don’t think they’ll play (Saturday) night,” Muntz said. “If they play or practice, it won’t hurt them physically. It’s just they’ll still be tired.”

Muntz said it was too early to tell whether they would be ready for the Rockets’ game at Sacramento Tuesday.