NBA Player News

Strus (foot) will be available for Tuesday's game against the Lakers.

Strus is no longer on the injury report after missing Monday's game against Utah for injury management. In six appearances this season, Strus holds averages of 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists.

Merrill (hamstring) is out for Tuesday's game against the Lakers.

Merrill's absence will be maintenance-related Tuesday, giving him a good chance of returning Thursday against the Warriors. Keon Ellis should step into the starting lineup versus the Lakers and see a sizable boost in playing time.

Allen (knee) is available for Tuesday's game against the Lakers.

Allen is set to return after getting the night off Monday against the Jazz. In Allen's most recent performance Friday against Miami, he looked sharp with 18 points (8-10 FG, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds and one block over 18 minutes.

James is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Cavaliers due to left foot injury management.

The Lakers are contemplating giving James a maintenance day for the second leg of a back-to-back set while he continues to manage a lingering left foot issue. During Monday's 120-101 win over the Wizards, James finished with 21 points (8-16 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 12 assists, 10 rebounds and one block across 33 minutes.

Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said that Wagner (ankle), who has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Suns, is "progressing well" in his recovery, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel.

Mosley noted that Wagner has participated in 5-on-5 scrimmages at practice and will be re-evaluated following treatment. Wagner appears to have a real chance to return from a high-grade left ankle sprain Wednesday, when the Magic take on the Hawks in a key Eastern Conference matchup.

Black (abdomen) was spotted going through individual work after Tuesday's shootaround, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Black will miss his 13th straight game Tuesday, but this update suggests that he's trending in the right direction. For now, he can be considered questionable at best for Wednesday against Atlanta.

Westbrook (toe) is out for Wednesday's game against Toronto.

The veteran guard has no timetable for a return due to irritation in the joint of the first toe in his right foot. Given that the Kings are reeling in the standings, the club is probably not in a rush to push Westbrook to return.

Curry (knee) is out for Wednesday's game against the Spurs and doubtful for Thursday's game against the Cavaliers, Anthony Slater of ESPN.com reports.

Coach Steve Kerr said Curry went through a full practice Tuesday, which included some five-on-five, so the two-time MVP continues to progress in the right direction. Assuming Curry sits out the next two games, a return against Houston on Sunday appears to be on the table.

Murray (ankle) is out for Wednesday's game against Toronto.

Murray is taking contact in practice amid his recovery from an ankle sprain, but he isn't ready for game action. Considering the Kings are buried in the standings, the team is unlikely to be in a hurry to bring Murray back.

DeRozan (hamstring) will be available for Wednesday's game against the Raptors.

DeRozan was held out of Sunday's game against Brooklyn, though it was mostly maintenance-related. The veteran is averaging 14.5 points, 5.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 turnovers in 28.2 minutes per contest.