Kemba Walker cleared for basketball activity, about 1 week away from return

The race for the final two Eastern Conference playoff spots could get a lot more interesting in the coming weeks.

With Paul George potentially returning to the Indiana Pacers and several teams having fortified their rotations at the deadline, the Charlotte Hornets could be set for an addition of their own.

Injured point guard Kemba Walker has been cleared for basketball activity without restriction, the latest step in his recovery from a torn meniscus. From here, Walker will aim to return to the practice court. He began running over the weekend for the first time since his Jan. 28 surgery.

There is still not a set time frame for his return, but it's been five weeks since the original six-plus week timeline was laid out. Head coach Steve Clifford estimated Wednesday that Walker is only about a week from returning to game action.

The Hornets have hung tough without him - Walker thought he was hurting the team before surgery - going 9-7 in the games he's missed this year. Their upside is far higher with him in the lineup, though, as the team has struggled to make up for his 18.8-point and 5.2-assist production, even with the acquisition of Mo Williams.

The Hornets are tied for eighth in the East at 25-33 and only three games separate six teams fighting for the final two playoff spots. An expeditious return for Walker would give Charlotte an offensive boost and a clear leg up in the playoff race.