NBA Player News

Cardwell (ankle) isn't listed on the injury report for Saturday's game against the Clippers.

Cardwell participated in Friday's practice and is set to return from an 11-game absence due to a sprained left ankle. He'll likely serve as Maxime Raynaud's primary backup, though it wouldn't be surprising to see Cardwell operate under a minutes restriction during his return.

Monk (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Clippers.

Monk is in danger of missing his second straight game, but we'll have a better idea on his status based on his activity level at shootaround. If Monk can't give it a go, expect more minutes for Killian Hayes and Nique Clifford.

Murray (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Clippers.

Murray is set to miss an eighth consecutive game due to a left ankle sprain. His next chance to play is Sunday against the Jazz, though the Kings have not provided an injury update for the fourth-year pro. It's been a frustrating season for Murray, who has appeared in only 23 regular-season games due to multiple injuries.

Eubanks has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Clippers due to left thumb soreness.

Eubanks was sidelined for approximately two weeks in December due to a left thumb avulsion fracture. It's not clear whether he recently aggravated the injury or it's simply managing the issue. Regardless, Eubanks will sit out the front end of the Kings' back-to-back set, and his next opportunity to play is Sunday against the Jazz. Dylan Cardwell should operate in an elevated role off the bench in Eubanks' absence.

Carter (calf) is out for Saturday's game versus the Clippers.

This will be Carter's second straight game on the sidelines, but maybe he'll be able to get back out there for Sunday's meeting with the Jazz. Killian Hayes will likely get the backup minutes behind Russell Westbrook due to Carter being unavailable.

Smart (hip) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's meeting with the Nuggets.

Smart will be back in action Saturday night following a one-game stint on the sidelines, so he should see his usual minutes in a starting role. With Smart back, Rui Hachimura will likely return to the second unit.

Murray is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Lakers due to a left ankle sprain.

Murray tweaked his ankle during the Nuggets' 142-103 loss to the Knicks on March 6. The injury has not cost him any time, and it appears as though he'll be available to play in Saturday's Western Conference clash. Murray has scored at least 30 points in back-to-back games and has averaged 29.9 points, 5.6 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 3.5 threes and 0.8 steals over 36.0 minutes per game across his last eight outings.

Hayes (back) is listed as probable for Saturday's game against Denver.

Hayes has missed the Lakers' last two games due to back soreness but is seemingly on track to return Saturday. Through five March appearances (one start), the big man has averaged 9.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 21.0 minutes per contest.

Gordon (hamstring) is probable for Saturday's game against the Lakers.

Gordon is likely to return from a one-game absence Saturday, which is expected to result in Spencer Jones heading back to the second unit. Check back for official confirmation on Gordon's status closer to Saturday's tipoff.

Finney-Smith will start Friday versus the Pelicans, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

This will be the first start of the season for Finney-Smith, who will be joined in the first unit by Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith. Per 36 minutes this season, Finney-Smith owns averages of 6.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.6 triples per contest.