Forward Jimmy Butler said he expects to play on Tuesday when his team faces the Oklahoma City Thunder, despite a hard fall during Saturday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Speaking with reporters, Butler expressed optimism about his availability, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater. Through 19 games, the six-time All-Star is averaging 20.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.6 steals while shooting efficiently across the board.
Lakers hold out James and Smart
The Los Angeles Lakers ruled LeBron James out of Sunday’s matchup with New Orleans for left-foot injury management. Sunday’s game was the front end of a back-to-back, with the club scheduled to visit the Phoenix Suns on Monday.
Guard Marcus Smart will also miss his second straight game because of back spasms. Smart had been upgraded to doubtful earlier in the day before being officially ruled out.
Pistons assign Sasser for rehab work
Detroit guard Marcus Sasser has been sent to the Motor City Cruise of the G League to increase his activity while recovering from a right-hip impingement suffered in the preseason. The Pistons said the third-year guard would be re-evaluated in roughly four weeks, a checkpoint that is approaching. Sasser averaged 6.6 points and shot 38 percent from three-point range in 57 games last season after a promising rookie year.
Source: Hoops Wire
