Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash is expected to make his comeback from a back injury against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.
The veteran star has been sidelined since November with root nerve irritation, but he is expected to provide coach Mike D'Antoni with a fitness boost.
Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant remain sidelined with groin and knee injuries respectively, although Steve Blake is also expected to return, Lakers.com reports.
Both guards will face competition from D-League pick-up Kendall Marshall who has deputised in their absence, but Nash is expected to start and have his minutes managed.