Mike Dunleavy says that he could return to the Pacers earlier than expected.

Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said last week that Dunleavy might be able to return by the team's season opener.

Dunleavy is returning from major knee surgery, which was initially expected to keep him out until the second half of the 2009-10 season.

He can do everything but engage in physical contact, something that he expects to change very soon. Dunleavy had surgery in March to remove a bone spur from the patella tendon on his right knee.

Indiana general manager David Morway told RealGM last week that the team doesn't have a solid timetable for Dunleavy's return.