DeMar DeRozan: (Groin) Will Return Thursday

DeRozan (groin) is expected make his long-awaited return to the court against the Hornets on Thursday, Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports reports.

Analysis:

DeRozan has been sidelined since Nov. 28 with a torn left adductor longus tendon. He's currently back on the practice court but the Raptors are looking to give him almost a full week of practice before he returns to competition. Don't be surprised if the Raptors limit his minutes in the early goings of his comeback to prevent further injury, although he may still be worth the play when considering his scoring ability, even in limited minutes.