Rockets' Chris Paul inches closer to return

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Rockets guard Chris Paul said he still did not have a timetable for his return from a bruised knee, though he did not disagree with Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni's guess that Paul could be back roughly Nov. 16, if not a game sooner or later depending on how quickly he progresses once cleared to practice.

"Shoot, Coach told me I was going to play tomorrow," Paul said. "I don't know.

"I'm working, getting there. Very tough (to be patient,) very tough. I can only go as fast as they'll let me."

Paul, who went through shooting drills on Saturday, said he has been swimming or boxing every other day. D'Antoni said there have been no setbacks, but the Rockets are determined to hold out Paul until he is 100 percent.

"Every day that goes by we get a little bit closer," D'Antoni said. "It can't be close enough. He's getting there."

Paul played in only the season opener, but has been on the road with the Rockets throughout the first three weeks of the season and on the bench during games.

PHOTOS: Rockets game-by-game ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 03: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets looks on from the bench against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on November 3, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Browse through the photos to see how the Rockets have fared through each game this season. less PHOTOS: Rockets game-by-game ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 03: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets looks on from the bench against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on November 3, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO ... more Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Image 1 of / 125 Caption Close Rockets' Chris Paul inches closer to return 1 / 125 Back to Gallery

"Hopefully soon," guard James Harden said of Paul's return. "The preseason and the first game kind of teased everybody how good we can be. Once he gets back, we can put everything in and go from there."