Raptors’ DeMarre Carroll hopes to return before playoffs

Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll told reporters Wednesday he hopes to return from knee surgery before the end of the regular season.

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Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll told reporters Wednesday he hopes to return from knee surgery before the end of the regular season, and that he plans to “ramp up” his recovery.

His comments come contrary to a report earlier in the week which indicated Carroll’s return this season was highly in doubt.

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Carroll: "Hopefully I'm going to try and play a couple games before the end of the season. That's the goal."

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) March 30, 2016

Carroll has not played since Jan. 3, missing time following the knee surgery. The small forward was averaging 11.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game before the injury. Toronto signed the 29-year-old to a four-year, $58 million contract last off-season. Rookie Norman Powell has filled in in his absence.

The Raptors entered Wednesday at 49–24 and in second place in the Eastern Conference, 2 1/2 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers.