Report: Warriors optimistic Durant could return in regular season

Kevin Durant could be back on the court before the playoffs.

The Golden State Warriors are encouraged by the progress the superstar's made in his recovery from a left knee injury, and are hopeful he could return before the end of the regular season, league sources told ESPN's Marc Stein and Chris Haynes.

Durant has been out indefinitely since Feb. 28, when he suffered a sprained MCL and tibial bone bruise. It was originally reported he'd miss four-to-six weeks, and now there's "cautious optimism" within the organization that the 28-year-old forward could return on the earlier side of that. Golden State is expected to provide an official update on his status next week.

The former league MVP traveled with the team on its recent road trip, and on Tuesday, he completed his first workout that involved moving while shooting, as well as running.

Before he went down, Durant was averaging 25.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.1 steals for the first-place Warriors.

They remain No. 1 in the league despite the absence of their leading scorer. During that time, they signed forward Matt Barnes and have posted a 7-4 record.

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The Dubs will continue to monitor KD closely as they gradually increase the intensity of his rehab work. General manager Bob Meyers said the team wouldn't rush Durant back, as it's more important his marquee offseason signing fully recovers so he's good to go for what's expected to be a deep postseason run.