New Jersey Nets center Dikembe Mutombo is set to make his return to the lineup after sitting out most of this season reports Fred Kerber of the New York Post.

Mutombo was cleared by doctors to practice with the Nets for the first time in four months and could be ready for game action in as early as a week.

"They got a new teammate again. I was able to do the things that I have not been able to do all year long," said Mutombo, who tore ligaments in his wrist Nov. 28 and underwent surgery a week later. "It has been something I have been looking forward to for a long time . . . I will know in a week if I feel ready to go."

For now, the Nets are targeting next Saturday's game against Golden State as a possibly return date.