Memphis Grizzlies PG Mike Conley (back) set to return

Memphis Grizzlies standout point guard Mike Conley is slated to return to action on Friday night, three weeks after breaking two bones in his lower back.

The Grizzlies made the announcement shortly after Conley participated in the mid-day shootaround for the contest against the Sacramento Kings.

"Hopefully, I'll have the opportunity to play," Conley told reporters. "We'll see."

Conley was injured during a Nov. 28 contest against the Charlotte Hornets when he took a charge from Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and landed hard on his back.

The original prognosis was for Conley to miss at least six weeks.

Conley received a five-year, $153 million contract in the offseason that made him the NBA's highest-paid player. He is averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 assists and 3.5 rebounds.

The Grizzlies went 7-2 during Conley's absence.

Memphis also waived veteran guard Toney Douglas and sent rookie guard Wade Baldwin IV to Iowa of the D-League.