Northwest Notes: Clingan, Clifford, Markkanen, Murray

The Northwest Division roundup highlights recent developments across several teams, including Donovan Clingan's resurgence with the Portland Trail Blazers following a slow start. After averaging 8.6 points last month, Clingan delivered three consecutive double-doubles in November. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder's trade acquisition of Nique Clifford from the Sacramento Kings for two future second-round picks increased their projected luxury-tax payment from $19.7MM to $31.5MM.

Elsewhere in the division, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen missed his second consecutive game on Tuesday against the Miami Heat due to a sprained right wrist. For the Denver Nuggets, guard Jamal Murray is averaging a team-leading 25.8 points per game, recently scoring 38 points against the Houston Rockets despite the team starting the season with a 5-4 record.