OAKLAND, Calif. - Golden State Warriors centre Andrew Bogut made a surprising return against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night after missing the previous 12 games with a right knee injury.

The Warriors said about an hour before the game that Bogut would be available to play. The team had originally said he was out for the game.

Marreese Speights started at centre before Bogut entered the game to a roaring applause with 5:19 remaining in the first quarter. It was the first time Bogut played since Dec. 8 at Minnesota, when he left in the opening minutes with pain in his knee.

Bogut has been recovering from knee chondromalacia and bone edema, an injury that causes bone marrow to swell and absorb fluid. He had his knee drained and underwent platelet-rich plasma therapy during his rehabilitation.

The 7-footer is averaging 7.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, three assists and 2.2 blocks in 20 games this season and has played a key role in Golden State's defence the past three years.