WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Houston Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said on Sunday that All-star guard James Harden could return this week.

The Rockets' schedule this week features contests against two of the top-form teams in the Western Conference and D'Antoni said that Harden could return as soon as Thursday against the Minnesota Timberwolves or for Saturday's game against the Golden State Warriors. The All-star guard has been out since Dec. 31 with a strained hamstring.

Harden is averaging 32.3 points, 9.1 assists and 1.8 steals per contest, all of which rank among the top 10 in the league. The Rockets have gone 4-2 in his absence.