Kings Injury Updates: Fox, Barnes, Holmes, Len
Jul 24, 2020, 9:21 AM | Updated: 9:33 am
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Sacramento could have 16 of its 17 players active for the restart on July 31st
With the first game of the NBA restart exactly one week away, the Sacramento Kings are getting healthy at the right time.
Star guard De’Aaron Fox, who injured his left ankle during practice on July 15th, has resumed full contact practice per head coach Luke Walton. Fox is a notably quick healer and is expected to be ready to go for the opener next Friday against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Kings medical staff will evaluate Fox in the morning before the team’s scrimmage against the Milwaukee Bucks.
“I’ll definitely be ready for the first game,” Fox said to reporters via Zoom on Friday morning. “I think we’re getting right at the right time”.
Walton said he would like to get Fox into one or both of the team’s remaining scrimmages, but mentioned that they will be cautious with their approach with the talented guard. Fox mentioned that he would like to play in at least one of the two remaining exhibitions.
More help is literally on the way for Sacramento, with forward Harrison Barnes expected to arrive in Orlando on Friday afternoon.
Head coach Luke Walton shared the news that Barnes had cleared COVID-19 protocols and was on his way to the bubble site located within Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Barnes, who tested positive for COVID-19 in late-June, will quarantine for 48-hours after his arrival in Florida before participating in team activites.
“If he’s ready to play by the first game, he’ll play. We’ll have to wait and see,” Walton said. Barnes will undergo physical and strength testing after his quarantine is finished to gauge his health. The 28 year-old has been a leader on the team this year, playing in all 64 games this season while providing efficient defense and solid three-point shooting.
Two Kings centers will also be back in action in the near future.
Richaun Holmes, who finished his 10-day quarantine after accidentally breaching bubble boundaries when picking up a food delivery, has participated in practice this week and is nearing game action.
Alen Len, who tested positive for COVID-19 in June, has also been participating in practices and working on conditioning.
The team has seven days until the final eight-game slate begins against the Spurs. With all hands expected to be on deck except the injured Marvin Bagley III, the Kings will feel confident in the fact that they have Fox, Barnes and company back in the fold.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the season for over four months, Sacramento was one of the hottest teams in the league, sporting a 7-3 record after the All-Star break.
If the Kings want to end their 14-year playoff drought, they will need to continue that strong play over the eight-game restart.
One week to go, Kings fans. It’s almost that time.
