Norris Cole (ankle) is not expected to return to the court till early December, John Reid of The Times Picayune reports.

Cole (ankle) isn't expected to make his season debut until at some point during the first half of December, Scott Kushner of the New Orleans Advocate reports. "I think in the early part of the next month, I think [Cole] will be playing, unless there's a setback or something," coach Alvin Gentry said.

Analysis:

Cole has been out since early October with a left high-ankle sprain, but has begun to show evidence that he's closer to a return. He was seen Saturday going through two-on-two drills after practice, and should only increase his activities in the days to come. While Cole has been out all season, Ish Smith has stepped in as Jrue Holiday's top backup, but Cole could quickly pass Smith on the depth chart once he's healthy.