Kawhi Leonard's return to the San Antonio Spurs lineup may come as soon as Friday night in Boston, according to Express-News columnist Mike Finger.

From Finger:

"Although he did not elaborate, a return to game action is expected by the end of this week. A source with knowledge of the situation said the coaching staff discussed the possibility of bringing him back as early as Monday’s game against the Pistons, but decided that waiting a few extra days wouldn’t hurt. Whenever Leonard comes back - perhaps Friday at the AT&T Center against the Celtics - it will end a saga that was perfectly Spurs-like from the beginning."

"I'm feeling pretty healthy right now ..." Leonard said Monday before San Antonio’s win over the Detroit Pistons, according to ESPN's Michael C. Wright. "I should be back soon."

Even without Leonard, the Spurs have gotten off to a solid start to the season. They have the third-best record in the West through 24 games and they're allowing the second-fewest points per 100 possessions even without the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.

"A lot of people stepped up in the process," Leonard said of his teammates during his time on the sideline. "It's going to be great for us in the long run."

Already one of the league's top teams without him, the Spurs have an opportunity to become very scary once Leonard returns to his rightful spot in the starting lineup.