Eastern Notes: | Hoops Rumors

The networks were surprisingly competitive in the early going and have veterans Dennis Schröder, Cameron Johnson And Dorian Finney Smith We are grateful for that, writes Brian Lewis of the New York Post. Schroder entered Monday's game against the Pelicans, fifth in the league with 352 minutes. Johnson was tied for 13th (340), while Finney-Smith is fourth on the team with 289 minutes, Lewis notes. Finney-Smith missed the game with a sprained ankle, Lewis tweets.

This trio entered the week with a combined average of 47.5 points per game. Some or all of them could be traded before the February trade deadline.

We have more from the Eastern Conference:

• Johnson came into Monday's contest with an impressive performance, Lewis notes. He had not turned the ball over in any of the last seven games, becoming the first player in NBA history to go without a ball for at least 30 minutes in seven games. He has never averaged more than 1.1 turnovers per game in any season. That could be an underrated aspect of his appeal as a trade candidate. Johnson has two years left on his $94.5 million contract.
• Pistons forward Ausar Thompsonwho was sidelined by blood clotting issues, has been officially cleared to return to play by the NBA's Fitness to Play Panel. The team will slowly increase his workload as he prepares for his season debut, reports Omari Sankofa of the Detroit Free Press. Thompson is thrilled with the decision. “It feels great” Thompson said. “The last seven to eight months have been a lot of work and I have had the full support of my family and team. It feels good to have the opportunity to go out and play again.”
• Benedict Mathurin is entitled to an extension of the rookie scale next summer and the Pacers' Swingman is improving his resume with his early season performances. He led the injured Pacemaker to a win over the Knicks on Sunday with a career-best 38 points. “Benn Mathurin was absolutely breathtaking” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star. “Efficient. Physically tough. … When he gets going like he did today, he's a real hit. He'll be a real eye-catcher.” Mathurin is averaging 23 points and 7.6 rebounds in five starts.