Budinger solid in return

Timberwolves forward Chase Budinger was able to play Thursday against the Kings, his first appearance in a game since suffering a knee injury Nov. 10. Budinger scored nine points in 18 minutes off the bench, shooting 3 of 7 from the field. Budinger made the team’s lone 3-pointer in the game, while adding four rebounds ...

Budinger ready to return

Timberwolvers forward Chase Budinger made it through pre-game warm-ups Thursday and is expected to play in that night’s game against the Kings. Coach Rick Adelman told reporters that he thinks Budinger will be able to play for the first time since Nov. 10.

Bledsoe sits out against Kings

Clippers point guard Eric Bledsoe missed yet another contest on Tuesday night against the Kings, reports NBA.com. Bledsoe has missed four straight games due to his calf injury and is loosely considered to be day to day.

Billups leaves with strained groin

Clippers guard Chauncey Billups was forced to leave Tuesday’s contest against the Kings with a strained right groin. Billups sustained the injury late in the second quarter and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the contest. He finished with two points and one rebounds prior to leaving the game.

Bryant listed as doubtful vs. Kings

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (ankle) was unable to practice on Saturday and is being listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Kings, reports the Los Angeles Times. Bryant was limited to just 12 minutes during the Lakers win over the Pacers on Friday night due to a severely sprained left ankle.

Redick held out vs. Kings

Bucks guard J.J. Redick is expected to be held out of Sunday’s contest against the Kings as he continues to nurse a minor ankle injury, according to the team’s play-by-play announcer. Redick, who suffered the injury Saturday night against the Warriors, is still expected to suit up as an emergency option off the bench.

Ilyasova held out again Sunday

As expected, Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova was ruled out of Sunday’s contest against the Kings as he continues to deal with a bone bruise in his left knee. Ilyasova has missed the last two games with the injury. Mike Dunleavy is expected to start in his place.

Dudley still buried

The Suns shook up their rotation Friday against the Kings, but guard Jared Dudley was not one of the beneficiaries. Dudley played just 15 minutes in the game, a 121-112 loss. Dudley shot the ball well in the game, as he scored 11 points on 5 of 8 shooting, with two rebounds. This was his ...