Andre Drummond's return: Might it come on Tuesday vs. Minnesota?

I don't mean to pop the tank balloons, but Andre Drummond might return to the lineup as early as Tuesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

As of two weeks ago, Andre Drummond was feeling no pain at all in his broken back, but there was also no timetable for his return. I got the feeling that the Pistons were considering shutting him down for the rest of the season.

They may still shut him down; however, less than a week ago, Lawrence Frank called Drummond's progress "noticeable" and said he will definitely be on the court when he's healthy, because game experience can go a long way for a young guy. Well, Drummond has been dunking for several days, went through full team activities over the weekend, and despite not playing on Saturday is considered to be day to day. Sounds healthy to me.

After the Pistons' win vs. Charlotte, beat reporter Vincent Goodwill raised the stakes a little:

Not a betting man, but I think Andre Drummond makes his return, in the starting lineup, Tuesday night. #Pistons

— Vincent Goodwill (@vgoodwill) March 24, 2013

Frank has played his hand close to the chest, but this would make a ton of sense given what we know about Drummond's recent activity. Further, the Pistons only have five home games remaining this season with two coming this week against similarly bad opponents - the Timberwolves and Raptors. Not a bad way to get the young big man's penguin feet wet again.

I anxiously await the Pistons' next move.

UPDATE: Their next move sucks:

Andre Drummond will not play on Tuesday, despite some reports to the contrary. Will Bynum also out.

— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) March 25, 2013