Thu 12/25/14 1:12 PM

Mills (shoulder) has been cleared to resume playing, but coach Gregg Popovich said he wouldn't suit up Thursday against the Thunder and could still be held out for several more games, the San Antonio Express-News reports. Popovich said that he'll take a conservative approach with working Mills back into the fold, as the team is determined not to rush him back too quickly and potentially aggravate the shoulder injury. Mills figures to resume practicing in full with the Spurs, but only Popovich will determine when his return occurs, which could be as soon as Friday's game against the Pelicans or as late as a couple weeks from now. In any event, it's huge news that Mills' return at least seems to be in the offing, as it was initially feared that he could be out until deep into the second half when he first required rotator cuff surgery in July.