Hornets swingman Nicolas Batum will make his regular-season debut Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers after missing Charlotte's first 12 games because of an elbow injury.
Hornets coach Steve Clifford told reporters that, barring a "drastic" setback, Batum would start against the Cavs and play limited minutes.
"He did a ton yesterday, and he feels good today," Clifford said, according to the Charlotte Observer. "He feels good and he looks good."
Batum, 28, has been sidelined since tearing a ligament in his left elbow on Oct. 4. Clifford did not disclose how many minutes he would limit Batum to, but the 10-year veteran said he is ready to return.
"If the coaches and the training staff are OK with it, it should be a go tomorrow," he told the Observer.
Batum averaged 15.1 points and 5.9 assists -- both career highs -- in 77 games last season, his second with Charlotte.
The Hornets return home Wednesday for their nationally televised showdown with the Cavs (8 p.m. ET, ESPN) after going winless on a four-game road trip.