Zion Williamson is one step closer to his return.

After missing his fifth full game with a knee sprain, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is confident his star player will return Thursday to open the ACC Tournament.

Williamson initially suffered the knee injury within the first 40 seconds of the Blue Devils' first matchup against the Tar Heels on Feb. 20.

"I think we'll get Zion back for Thursday," Krzyzewski told reporters after his team's loss to No. 3 North Carolina on Saturday. "He worked out this morning — again, no contact — but Monday, there will be. Hopefully, we'll get a couple good days of practice where he can be 5-on-5, and then see how that goes. But the way he looks right now, I think it's just a matter of getting in shape, getting in game shape, and going forward."

Krzyzewski also indicated he doesn't think it will take a long time for Williamson and the rest of the Blue Devils to get acclimated to having the forward back in the lineup.

"These guys will react quickly," he said. "It depends on Zion, his shape, but I think they'll respond real quick."

Projected by many to be a top pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Williamson has been averaging 21.6 points and 8.8 rebounds while shooting 68.3 percent from the field in 2018-19.

Duke (26-5, 14-4 ACC) went 23-2 while Williamson was healthy, but fell 3-3 in the nearly six full games he missed.