Let’s take a look at some injury and availability updates from around the league:
- Blake Griffin isn’t on the injury report ahead of the Sixers Pistons contest on Monday. The power forward sat out Saturday’s matchup with Philly due to scheduled rest.
- Jayson Tatum is expected to make his return against the Bulls on Monday night, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reports. The Celtics have been without Tatum since January 8 because of COVID-19.
- Jimmy Butler hasn’t played since January 9 but the Heat star is closing in on a return to the court. Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald hears that Butler, who has been out because of the league’s COVID-19 protocols, will be cleared today. Miami plays Brooklyn tonight and Butler won’t suit up for that contest but Wednesday (Denver) or Thursday (Los Angeles) remains possible.
- Avery Bradley could make his return to the Heat soon as well. Bradley, like Butler, has been out due to the COVID-19 protocols.
- Bulls center Wendell Carter Jr. is doubtful for Monday’s contest against the Celtics. WCJ sat our Saturday’s game against the Lakers because of a thigh contusion.
- D’Angelo Russell is questionable to play on Monday due to a quad contusion. He also sat out on Saturday, though the team listed that as pre-planned rest.
- Both Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam may sit out for the Raptors on Monday vs. the Pacers. Lowry missed the contest on Sunday and Fred VanVleet and Norman Powell both saw an uptick in backcourt minutes with the Villanova product sidelined.
- Frank Ntilikina (knee) is healthy enough to play, though his scratch on Sunday was a coaching decision. Immanuel Quickley‘s emergence could mean that Ntilikina may not have a regular spot in the rotation.
