Perth Wildcats guard Mitch Norton is on track to play in the NBL semi-final series against Brisbane after rejoining team training on Tuesday.
Norton hasn't played since tearing his left calf on January 25.
But the 25-year-old trained strongly on Tuesday, fuelling hopes he will return against the Bullets.
Norton is unlikely to play in the series opener in Perth on Thursday night.
But he is a chance to play in game two in Brisbane on Saturday, or game three if required next Monday.
A fit Norton would ease the pressure on Wildcats captain Damian Martin, who has dealt with his own calf issues this year.
"He played a bit of five-on-five and actually looked really good," Martin said of Norton.
"He was probably Red's best player in that five-on-five scrimmage. It's good to see Norto back out there running around and if we can get him suited up for a game or two, that'd be brilliant."
Martin said adjusting to the pace of the game - especially in a final - would be one of Norton's biggest challenges.
But he's backing the Boomers guard to step up to the task.
"He'll be totally fine," Martin said.
"He's done everything that's required to come back in good condition from a calf injury, and age is on his side.
"When I returned from calf injuries, I had to get three good sessions under my belt.
"He's a lot younger so I dare say it's going to be a lot sooner than that."
The Wildcats are hot favourites to beat Brisbane in the best-of-three semi-final series.
If they achieve that, they'll earn home court advantage for the best-of-five grand final series against either Sydney or Melbourne.
Martin has already won four NBL titles with the Wildcats, and he's itching to be part of another Championship.
"It's by far the best time of the year," Martin said.
"You get rejuvenated and feel fresh again physically and mentally.
"But ask me an hour before tip-off and I dare say there'll be some butterflies, which is a good sign."
