San Antonio Spurs may be able to call on veteran point guard Tony Parker in December.

Parker ruptured his left quadriceps tendon in May in the second round of the playoffs against the Houston Rockets.

The 35-year-old missed the end of last season as San Antonio lost out to Golden State Warriors 4-0 in the Western Conference Finals.

Initially it had been thought he would miss the majority of the 2017-18 season but his recovery has been quicker than expected and he could return to action before the turn of the year.

Spurs coach Greg Popovich gave an update on the four-time NBA Champion after their pre-season game against Sacramento Kings and suggested a December return could be on the cards for Parker.

Parker, who has spent his entire career with San Antonio, has seen his role diminished slightly in recent years but remains a key member of the Spurs squad and they will be keen to get him back on court as quickly as possible.

It will be at least another month before the six-time All Star is able to take part in full training but the signs look positive for Parker as he continues his recovery.

San Antonio are 13.00 to win the NBA Championship outright in 2017-18, holders Golden State can be backed at 1.53 and the Rockets are 12.00.