ESPN NBA

Suns forward Grant Hill is ready to return after missing three games with a strained groin.

Hill told The Arizona Republic after practice Thursday that he expects to suit up Friday when Phoenix hosts Minnesota.

"I feel like I can play," Hill said. "Assuming there's no problems between now and tomorrow [Friday], I think I will."

The 13-year forward, who is averaging 13.4 points, 5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and has also been nursing a sprained right wrist, said he felt good after participating in drills and full scrimmages for 30-to-45 minutes Thursday. He intends to play in Phoenix's final seven regular-season games to get his rhythm back and get ready for the playoffs.

"It was good to get out there and run up and down and get bumped a little bit, just playing in an uncontrolled environment," the Republic quoted Hill as saying. "Running and doing drills is more controlled. It felt pretty good. I was encouraged."