Spurs star Kawhi Leonard could make his season debut Wednesday (AEDT) against the Mavericks, ESPN reported Saturday.
MORE: Simmons' record triple-double not enough for Sixers vs Lakers
Leonard, who hasn't played in a game since suffering an ankle injury in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals almost seven months ago, has been suffering from right quadriceps tendinopathy since September. An earlier report said the team would re-evaluate Leonard Saturday, and if that went well he would play Sunday against the Suns. The Spurs haven't commented on when he might return to the lineup.
The 26-year-old forward has been working out in five-on-five drills in practice as he eases back into shape. Coach Gregg Popovich told reporters last month he had never seen an injury of that type.
Speaking with reporters Monday for the first time since the team announced the injury in late September, Leonard had said his return would be “soon to come.”
"I’ll be able to play on the floor," Leonard said. "It’s been a long wait, but I’m feeling pretty healthy right now.”
Leonard scored 25.5 points and had 5.8 rebounds per game for the Spurs last season, and was a finalist for the league's MVP award.