Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse remains optimistic about the condition of point guard Kyle Lowry, even claiming that he believes the All-Star guard is nearing a return.

Kyle Lowry has only played once in their last eight games due to quad and back issues. He last played against the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 22 and hasn't featured ever since, no thanks to a lingering back problem.

There is still no timetable for Lowry's return, and things don't look any better for him after news that he received injections in his back to help relieve the pain and inflammation.

Despite what could be said as concerning progress to Lowry's recovery, however, Nick Nurse said that the 32-year-old Philadelphia native could end his time on the sidelines soon. He also emphasized that Lowry is already in the pain management stage.

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Lowry is set to miss his fourth straight game, as he is also out in their New Year's showdown with the Utah Jazz. Nonetheless, Nurse's update will certainly give fans some sort of relief.

Lowry is averaging 14.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and a team-high 9.8 assists per contest. The  Raptors are currently 27-11 on the season, second in the Eastern Conference.