NBA Player News

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.

Sanders is in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Warriors, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Sanders will return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench in the previous two contests. Across 12 starts, the Nevada product is averaging 11.2 points while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from beyond the arc. Darius Garland (toe) is slated to make his team debut Monday, though he'll do so in a reserve role.

Valanciunas is starting Monday's game against the Jazz.

Valanciunas will draw his first start since Jan. 29 due to the absences of Cameron Johnson (ankle) and Spencer Jones (shoulder). Valanciunas is averaging 15.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 blocks in his previous four starts.

Payton (ankle) is out for Monday's game against the Clippers.

Payton was considered a game-time call for Monday due to a left ankle issue, and the Warriors have since downgraded him to out. His absence should result in more opportunity for De'Anthony Melton and Pat Spencer in the backcourt.

Highsmith (knee) isn't listed on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's game against the Kings.

Highsmith will be available to make his season debut after finishing up his rehab. It remains to be seen how involved the 29-year-old will be in the Phoenix rotation, though he figures to be deployed off the bench to provide minutes behind the likes of Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale.

Maluach is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Kings due to a right thumb sprain.

Maluach likely picked up the injury during his appearance Saturday with the G League's Valley Suns. The Duke product has since rejoined the parent club, but even if he's able to play through the thumb issue Tuesday, he's unlikely to be included in the rotation.

Booker (hip) has been cleared to play Tuesday against the Kings.

Booker is ready to make his return to the hardwood after missing Phoenix's last four matchups while tending to a right hip strain. The star guard has had some tough injury luck lately, as he also dealt with an ankle issue before the All-Star break; therefore, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Suns monitor Booker's minutes closely in his first game back.