LA Clippers forward Nicolas Batum is getting closer to a return. Batum came out of the NBA's health and safety protocols over the weekend. He won't play Monday at one of his former teams, the Portland Trail Blazers, but he's close.

Batum will undergo at least a few days of return to competition reconditioning. He's likely to make his return to play later this week.

The veteran forward has not played since November 19. Batum has missed the Clippers last eight games.