NBA Player News

Banton signed a 10-day contract with the Celtics on Thursday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

Banton was quickly scooped up by Boston after his previous 10-day contract with the Clippers expired. Banton has plenty of NBA experience and is expected to be an emergency depth option in Boston.

Morant is continuing to experience discomfort during his recovery from a UCL sprain in his left elbow, and he'll be reevaluated in two weeks, the Grizzlies announced.

Morant has been sidelined since Jan. 21 due to a UCL sprain, and his recovery hasn't gone according to plan. Despite being almost a full month into the rehab process, Morant's elbow continues to be a source of pain. While Morant is absent, look for Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen to handle most of the point guard minutes. If Morant is cleared after 14 days, he could be back for a March 7 game against the Clippers.

Caldwell-Pope is scheduled to undergo surgery on his right pinky finger Wednesday.

Caldwell-Pope is expected to make a full recovery from his surgery, but the Grizzlies will wait until after the surgery to provide a timeline for the veteran's return. He has averaged 21.3 minutes per game this season while serving in a bench role, and those minutes will likely be absorbed by Taylor Hendricks, Ty Jerome and Jahmai Mashack for as long as Caldwell-Pope is sidelined.

Westbrook (ankle) is available for Thursday's game against Orlando.

Westbrook missed the Kings' final game before the All-Star break due to left ankle soreness. The veteran point guard has moved past the injury and will be a full-go for Thursday's contest. With Zach LaVine (hand) and Domantas Sabonis (knee) out for the season, plenty of usage should be available for Westbrook going forward.

Hunter (eye) is listed as out for Thursday's game against the Magic.

Hunter is battling a left eye injury that cost him the final three games before the All-Star break and will keep him sidelined coming out of the pause. It's unclear how close he is to returning, but his absence will likely mean more opportunities for Nique Clifford and Daeqwon Plowden. Hunter's next chance to play will come Saturday against the Spurs.

Monk (illness) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Thursday's game against the Magic.

An illness sidelined Monk for the Kings' final three games before the All-Star break, but the veteran guard has been given the green light to return Thursday against Orlando. Monk averaged 15.6 points, 3.1 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 3.2 threes over 24.0 minutes per game over his last nine outings prior to the ASB.

The Nuggets signed Simpson (hip) to a two-way contract Wednesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Denver converted Spencer Jones' two-way contract to a standard deal earlier Wednesday, and they've filled the vacated two-way slot with Simpson. Simpson, the 42nd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, had spent his entire career with the Hornets before being waived Feb. 6. He appeared in 14 NBA games this season, averaging 6.0 points, 2.5 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals across 15.9 minutes. Before being waived by Charlotte, Simpson had been tending to a hip injury, but he's not on the injury report for Thursday's game against the Clippers.

Batum (rest) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Thursday's game against the Nuggets, NBA writer Justin Russo reports.

Batum did not play in either of the Clippers' two games prior to the All-Star break but will be available off the bench for Thursday's contest. The veteran forward has averaged 4.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 1.2 threes over 17.6 minutes per game since the start of the new year.

Porzingis (Achilles) participated in practice Wednesday and is considered questionable for Thursday's game against the Celtics, Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe reports.

Porzingis is officially listed as questionable, but per Anthony Slater of ESPN.com, Porzingis said Wednesday that he's "good to go." The veteran big man hasn't appeared in a game since Jan. 7 due to a left Achilles injury. Given the lengthy absence, expect Porzingis to be limited if available. Still, his return could cut into the playing time of Gui Santos and Quinten Post.

Curry (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Celtics, Danny Emerman of SFStandard.com reports.

Curry's absence will extend to six games as he works his way through a right knee issue. He was unable to participate in Wednesday's practice, and the superstar guard will meet with training staff Wednesday night to reevaluate the injury, per Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area. Brandin Podziemski and Pat Spencer will continue to work in elevated roles for as long as Curry is sidelined.