Jamal Crawford (calf) nears return

LOS ANGELES -- Jamal Crawford went through a full workout on Tuesday before the Los Angeles Clippers played the Golden State Warriors and is nearing a return to the court.

Crawford will travel with the team this week during their two-game road trip to Portland and Denver but is not expected to play, sources told ESPN.com. If Crawford continues to progress the plan is for Crawford to return next week when the Clippers play the Los Angeles Lakers on April 7, sources said.

Clippers coach Doc Rivers sounded more optimistic about Crawford's return when asked about him before Tuesday's game.

"He's doing a lot better from what I hear," Rivers said. "I haven't talked to him personally. His talk sounds more confident and our medical staff's talk sounds more confident. I think that's a good sign."

When asked about Crawford returning next week, Rivers said, "I would hope so. That would be great. We obviously would love him to play a couple games before the playoffs start."

Crawford has missed the past 14 games after suffering a right calf contusion on March 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is averaging 16.4 points and is one of the leading candidates to win his third Sixth Man of the Year award. Crawford ranks first in the league in bench scoring and was first in the league in fourth quarter points prior to his injury.