Mavericks' Rajon Rondo (facial fractures) plans return vs. Thunder

Mavericks point guard Rajon Rondo plans to return for the team's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday

Dallas Mavericks point guard Rajon Rondo plans to return for the team's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday.

Rondo has missed the last six games after suffering an orbital bone fracture in his left eye and a nasal fracture after he was accidentally kneed in the face by Richard Jefferson.

Rondo hasn't decided whether he will wear a protective face mask when he returns. 

• NBA trade deadline rumors and buzz

"I don't know yet. I have a mask made for me, but I don't know if I'm going to wear it or not," Rondo said to Fox Sports. "It's specially made for my face so it's not uncomfortable."

"My main concern was double vision and I don't have double vision," Rondo added.

Rondo has averaged 9.2 points, 6.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds in 21 games since being traded by the Boston Celtics on Dec. 18.

The Mavericks also plan to have guard Monta Ellis back in the lineup for Thursday's game. Ellis has been dealing with a hip injury for the past week.

Dallas (36-19) is in fifth place in the Western Conference. 

- Scooby Axson