NBA Player News

Thompson didn't return to Monday's 123-118 win over the Wizards after exiting with 8:11 remaining in the fourth quarter due to a right ankle injury. He finished with 22 points (10-15 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 12 rebounds, four assists and two steals across 31 minutes.

Thompson was well on his way to a monstrous performance before the ankle injury ended up cutting his night short. Even with the early exit, Thompson still came through with his 13th double-double in 58 appearances on the season. An update on the specifics and severity of Thompson's injury should surface no later than Wednesday, when the Rockets will release their first injury report in advance of Thursday's game against the Warriors.

Santos is not in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Clippers, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Santos had started each of the past 10 games, but the Warriors will opt to open with a frontcourt of Draymond Green and Al Horford on Monday. In 35 appearances off the bench this season, Santos is averaging 4.3 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 11.7 minutes per contest.

Horford is in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Clippers, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Horford will return to the first unit Monday after coming off the bench Saturday against the Lakers. Gui Santos will be deployed off the bench in a corresponding move. Horford has scored in double figures in each of his previous four chances as a starter.

George didn't return to Monday's 123-118 loss to the Rockets after exiting with 6:13 left in the third quarter due to a left elbow sprain. He finished with 16 points (5-13 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), two assists, one rebound and one steal in 22 minutes.

George had been listed as questionable heading into Monday's contest due to a left knee contusion, but it was a new injury that knocked him out of the game early. The second-year wing was later spotted sitting on the bench following a trip to the locker room, but the Wizards didn't clear him to return to the contest. George can be considered questionable for Tuesday's game against the Magic until the team provides another update.

Thompson (ankle) went to the locker room in the fourth quarter of Monday's game against the Wizards, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Thompson checked out at the 8:11 mark of the fourth quarter and headed to the locker room after grabbing at his right ankle. The Rockets may opt to be cautious with the 23-year-old, and if he doesn't return down the stretch Monday, Reed Sheppard would likely handle point-guard duties, with Dorian Finney-Smith, Aaron Holiday and Josh Okogie serving as reserve reinforcements.

George is questionable to return to Monday's game against the Rockets due to a left elbow sprain.

George was dealing with a knee injury leading up to tipoff, but he's now dealing with an elbow injury picked up at some point during Monday's clash. Will Riley would see more minutes down the stretch if George is unable to return.

Eason was ejected during the third quarter of Monday's game against the Wizards, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports. He'll exit with nine points (4-11 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), six rebounds, two assists and one block over 25 minutes.

Eason was involved in an on-court altercation with Jamir Watkins and was assessed a pair of technical fouls, resulting in an ejection at the 2:52 mark of the third quarter. The Rockets will turn to Dorian Finney-Smith, Aaron Holiday and Josh Okogie as reserve reinforcements for the fourth quarter with Eason disqualified.

Garland isn't in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Warriors, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

The Clippers will be monitoring Garland's minutes closely in his first game action since Jan. 14, and the fact that he's being utilized off the bench will make it a bit easier for the team to manage his workload. Kris Dunn will remain in the starting lineup for the time being, though Garland should eventually transition to the starting point guard spot once he's completed his ramp-up period.

Hinson is not in the starting lineup for Monday's game against Denver.

After making his first career start Saturday, Hinson will shift back to a reserve role Monday with Utah rolling out a starting five of Keyonte George, Elijah Harkless, Ace Bailey, Cody Williams and Kyle Filipowski. Hinson has appeared in four games this season, averaging 8.5 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 54.2 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from beyond the arc in 18.8 minutes per contest.

Harkless is starting Monday's game against the Nuggets.

Harkless will make his first start of his career Monday, and he'll be tasked with slotting in for Lauri Markkanen (hip). Harkless has scored in double figures in back-to-back games off the bench and should be in store for a heavier workload Monday evening.