Chris Paul has been cleared by doctors and could return from a thumb injury for the Los Angeles Clippers' next NBA game against Golden State.
Coach Doc Rivers Paul "looked great" in practice on Tuesday and the only remaining hurdle is how comfortable he feels after another training run and is set to face the Warriors on Thursday (Friday AEDT).
Paul has been out since January 16 after tearing a ligament in his left thumb and having surgery two days later.
The original timetable was six to eight weeks, so the star point guard could return slightly ahead of schedule.
"The thumb is getting better," said Paul, who reported no pain in his initial training session.
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"I don't care how much your train, run and do drills, nothing is like playing."
Paul's presence would restore the Clippers' lineup, which has been missing either him or Blake Griffin at times this season.
The Clippers come out of the All-Star break on a four-game winning streak.
After playing the West-leading Warriors, they return home Friday to host San Antonio, owner of the second-best record in the Western Conference.
