Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni says Chris Paul will make a return to action at Phoenix Suns on Thursday.

Paul was a marquee capture for Houston during the off-season as he joined from Los Angeles Clippers but a knee injury has restricted him to just one appearance so far.

The point guard returned to practice on Wednesday and D’Antoni has indicated the nine-time All Star is in line to start in Phoenix, saying: “he’s ready to go”.

D’Antoni has previously stated he expects the Rockets to improve further when Paul returns but they boast an impressive record regardless of his absence.

Houston are 11-4 ahead of the clash with the Suns and sit second in the Western Conference standings behind champions Golden State Warriors.

Paul is expected to see his minutes limited on Thursday as D’Antoni eases the 32-year-old into his team following his spell on the sidelines but it shouldn’t be too long before he is back to full fitness.

Houston are 1.20 to claim the win or 1.83 with a -9.5 handicap. Phoenix are 5.00 to come out on top.

Houston have no further injury concerns ahead of Thursday’s game and the Suns are without four players, including long-term injury victim Brandon Knight.