West notes: DeRozan, Sabonis, Monk, Melton, Jenkins, Payton

On By Littum

Kings forward DeMar DeRozan intends to return to action on Friday vs. Clippers after missing three games due to a setback, reports NBA insider Chris Haynes (Twitter link).

DeRozan may not be the only key player back on the court for the team in Los Angeles. According to Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee (Twitter link), Domantas Sabonis (back) has participated fully in practice for the past two days, while Malik monk (ankle) also participated in Thursday’s practice.

As Anderson relays (via Twitter), head coach Mike Brown said today that Monk – who is working his way back from an ankle sprain that was expected to sideline him through this weekend – will “most likely” remain inactive for Friday’s contest. However, Brown confirmed that DeRozan and Sabonis “look good” to return.

Here’s more from around the Western Conference:

  • Warriors guard De’Anthony Meltonwho will undergo season-ending surgery on his ACL, is well-liked in the locker room and could be a candidate to return to Golden State next season, given he should be available at a good price, writes Anthony Slater of The Athletic. “I know the mark he’s already made on this organization,” teammate Draymond Green said. “He gets an opportunity to come back. Hopefully he decides it’s the right thing for him.”
  • Taylor Jenkins secured his 215th win as Grizzlies head coach on Wednesday to pass Lionel Hollins as the winningest coach in the team’s history, per Clay Bailey of the Associated Press. “It is an incredible honor to be among the company of so many great coaches who have come before me,” said Jenkins, who has a 215-192 regular-season record since being hired in 2019. “I always talk about the incredible responsibility of being the coach of this franchise. It’s a privilege and an honor.”
  • Appeared in his first NBA game since April 2022, Elfrid Payton earned a start for shorthanded Pelicans Wednesday, notes Christian Clark of NOLA.com. Payton, who signed a non-guaranteed contract earlier in the day, made the most of the opportunity, contributing 11 points, eight assists and five rebounds on 5-of-8 shooting in 22 minutes.