Kyrie Irving has missed nearly two months with a right shoulder injury, but he hopes to return within the next week.
Irving will be reevaluated within the next week and it is hoped he will be cleared to play.
"We just see where we end up in the next few days," Irving said Thursday. "Realistically, we will re-evaluate tomorrow. See how I feel tomorrow. Then go Saturday -- probably another practice."
Irving has a self-imposed deadline of one week.
"Hopefully I get some game reps in addition to practice probably in the next week or so," he said. "It could be less than that, but I'll give myself a week."
Irving was able to fully participate in practice for the first time on Thursday morning, including working through 5-on-5 contact drills.
Irving said he was cautiously optimistic that the cortisone shot was working.
"After the cortisone, it gave me a great steppingstone to work my way to getting back on the floor," he said.