Mavericks' Deron Williams: Getting closer to return

Coach Rick Carlisle said that he's hopeful that Williams (toe) could return "sometime soon," the Associated Press reports.

Analysis:

While it's good to hear that Williams doesn't seem in line for a long-term absence due to the sprained right big toe, Carlisle's statement is still somewhat vague, so it's difficult to project whether or not the veteran will return at any point this week. Williams missed his sixth straight game Monday against the Nuggets, enabling Yogi Ferrell to take on another hefty workload as the replacement starter at point guard. Ferrell has been stellar in Williams' stead and has helped the Mavs maintain their winning ways of late, providing reason for the club to proceed cautiously with easing Williams back into action. It's still likely that Williams will remain out for the second half of the back-to-back set Tuesday against the Trail Blazers, but if he's able to put in a practice Wednesday, he could have a more realistic chance of playing Thursday versus the Jazz.