What happened: Brandon Ingram has progressed to 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 contact drills as his heel continues to improve. Ingram noted that he is feeling comfortable on the floor but does not yet have a target date for his return. He stated that he needs to complete more full-court scrimmaging before feeling ready for game action.

Why it matters: His eventual return is critical for a scuffling Clippers rotation seeking offensive stability. Los Angeles has dropped seven consecutive games following a 117-116 defeat against the Miami Heat on Nov. 4. Regaining their primary scoring wing will be essential for climbing out of the lower tier of the Western Conference.

What to watch: Ingram will continue logging 5-on-5 repetitions to evaluate his conditioning and heel tolerance. His status will be updated as he approaches full clearance for game competition.