Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons is nearing a return from a broken thumb. Simons practiced with the Blazers on Monday and reportedly went through most of practice, seemingly without any issue.

Portland coach Chauncey Billups was enthusiastic about Simons' upcoming return, saying “I’m hoping the next game!” when asked when his starting guard might play. Malcolm Brogdon added that Simons looked great in practice.

The sixth-year guard was injured in the Trail Blazers first game of the season. Simons was expected to miss six weeks, putting his return right on schedule.