SAN ANTONIO — Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is no longer eligible for regular season NBA awards. Morant, who is out on Friday night due to right foot soreness, is missing his 18th game of the season.

Ja Morant (right foot soreness) missed his 18th game of the season Friday night vs. the Spurs, making him ineligible to win regular-season NBA awards.

The NBA requires players to participate in 65 games for selection to the All-NBA teams, MVP, and other awards.

The reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics return to TD Garden Friday night still looking for consistent traction as they get set to host the Orlando Magic.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 134-114 home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday in a matchup between the two teams with the NBA's best records.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to an easy home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.

The Thunder put Thursday night's showdown with the Cavs out of reach by halftime and led by as many as 42 points in a 134-114 home win Thursday night.

Jimmy Butler, his seven-game, team-imposed suspension completed, returned to score 18 points for the Miami Heat in a 133-113 loss to the visiting Denver Nuggets on Friday night. The Heat suspended Butler on Jan.

Add longtime NBA executive Bob Myers to the long list of people who has had enough of Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler. Butler returned to the court Friday night following a seven-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.