Paul expected to return for Rockets Sunday

Chris Paul, sidelined for five weeks with a hamstring injury, should be back in the lineup on Sunday when the Houston Rockets host the Orlando Magic, said head coach Mike D'Antoni on Friday. Speaking after the team's shootaround, D'Antoni all but ruled out a Friday night return against the Toronto Raptors.

"It looks like Sunday, not tonight, probably," said D'Antoni. "I think he's ready to go, we're just being extra careful and Sunday seems to be a good day. "If it was a playoff game tonight, he might go. But, why not be extra careful and get him back Sunday," D'Antoni, continued. "... The biggest boost is he can take minutes off people. When you put a Hall of Fame point guard back in your lineup, it's going to help."

The injury is to Paul's left hamstring, the opposite leg that caused him to miss Game 6 and Game 7 of the Western Conference finals last postseason. The nine-time All-Star is averaging 15.6 points, eight assists and four rebounds per game in 26 contests this season. The Rockets have gone 11-5 since Paul was injured in a Dec. 20 loss to the Miami Heat.

Point guard Brandon Knight (knee) is listed as questionable versus the Raptors. Center Clint Capela is out with a thumb injury. --Field Level Media