Kyle Lowry (bacterial infection) still has "a ways to go before he's in shape" according to beat writer Jonathan Feigen. This was what we had thought, but an NBA.com report said that Lowry was "close to returning" and the Lakers broadcast made it seem like his return was imminent. Until we hear more, we're going with the guy who follows the team every day.

In a throwaway line at the bottom of an NBA.com report, it was written that Kyle Lowry (bacterial infection) and Kevin Martin (shoulder) shot around during pregame warmups on Friday and were "close to returning." We don't just want to summarily dismiss this report since it comes with no accompaniment from the Rockets beat writing steadies, but we're going to wait for confirmation before giving it full weight. It is time, however, to consider the possibility of life with Goran Dragic, and to a lesser extent Courtney Lee.

Kyle Lowry (bacterial infection) said Thursday he has a "better feeling about coming back this season." Lowry participated in some half-court drills during Thursday's practice. Considering he hasn't been exercising much for nearly a month, it's going to take a lot of time to get back in game shape. There's currently no target date for Lowry's return.

Kyle Lowry (bacterial infection) went through practice for the first time since his infection, but there is no timetable for his return. As beat writer Jonathan Feigen notes, this is a big step for Lowry. There is a chance that he could return before the regular season ends, but the fact that he's still without a timetable should highlight the idea that he's not yet close to a return. Goran Dragic will continue to start and has averaged 17.6 points, 8.7 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.9 treys over 16 games in that role.

Rockets GM Daryl Morey said he thinks Kyle Lowry (bacterial infection) could be back "quicker than people may think." Morey made the comments in an interview with the team's official site. However, he did not provide any specifics and admitted that Lowry is still susceptible to a setback as he slowly resumes exercise. "I hope, but maybe I'm just being optimistic," Morey said. Lowry was tentatively scheduled to have a reevaluation on Saturday.

Kyle Lowry (bacterial infection) was recently spotted riding a stationary bike. It's a sign that Lowry has been cleared for light exercise. He's still on an antibiotics cycle and getting bloodwork done. Lowry has previously admitted that he doesn't know if he'll play again this season.

Kyle Lowry was scheduled to have the catheter in his right arm removed Thursday. It's an important step because it allows Lowry to get some exercise. He's still going to under antibiotic treatments for two more weeks, but he'll get them orally instead of through the catheter. Lowry is holding out hope of playing again late in the season. He'll be reevaluated on April 7.

Kyle Lowry (bacterial infection) says he won't be reevaluated until his current antibiotic cycle ends on April 7 and admitted that he doesn't know if he'll play again this season. It's conceivable that Lowry could be cleared on April 7, but that doesn't mean he'll return to the court. He hasn't been exercising since getting hospitalized on March 8 and therefore will have a long way to go to get in game shape. Explosive backup Goran Dragic isn't going to give up the starting gig unless Lowry can get near 100 percent. There's a chance that won't happen until after the regular season ends on April 26.

Beat writer Jonathan Feigen notes that Kyle Lowry (bacterial infection) will have a "long way to go" even if/when he gets cleared. Lowry is expected to be checked again in 8-10 days. But he's been barred from activity since getting hospitalized on March 8, so an immediate return is not realistic. Moreover, backup Goran Dragic is playing at a borderline All-Star level. Even if Lowry returns soon after that 8-10 day mark, we can't expect normal minutes.

Kyle Lowry is improving on schedule from his bacterial infection, but he's at least a week away from his next series of tests. Lowry doesn't sound likely to practice immediately after the tests, so a return in mid-April might be the best-case scenario. Hopefully you were able to snag Goran Dragic, as the Yugoslavian PG has been lights-out in relief of Lowry.