Great news for the Houston Rockets: Chris Paul appears to be on track to return from his strained hamstring next week, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
That means Paul is right on schedule with the timetable, as he practiced in full on Friday for the first time in almost a month.
Paul originally sustained the injury during a loss to the Miami Heat on Dec. 20.
The point guard's return could not be coming at a better time.
While James Harden did a tremendous job of keeping the Rockets afloat in his absence, leading the team to six straight wins in the immediate aftermath of Paul's injury, Houston has begun to struggle a bit lately, going just 3-4 over its last seven games and suffering losses to the Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets.
Plus, the Rockets are also now without Clint Capela, who is sidelined with a thumb injury, so there is only so much Harden can do without his two best teammates on the floor with him.
On the year, Paul is averaging 15.6 points, 8.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 2.1 steals over 33.2 minutes per game while shooting 41.5 percent from the floor, 35.3 percent from 3-point range and 81.3 percent from the free-throw line.
While his percentages are down from their typical efficient rates, Paul's ability to not only defend his position well but take pressure off Harden on the offensive end is paramount to the Rockets having playoff success.
Houston currently sports a record of 25-19 and will play host to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.
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