As if the Kings' psychological blows from Tuesday's exhibition opener weren't trying enough, they were followed by the physical kind a day later.
Point guard Beno Udrih said Wednesday he is questionable for Friday's game against Oklahoma City after straining his left hip in the second quarter of the 110-81 loss at Portland. Udrih's injury is not considered serious, though it certainly was unwelcome considering the Kings' pressing need to improve as a unit.
"I could probably go (Friday), but I was thinking that it's preseason, so (I'd) take time right now," said Udrih, who didn't practice Wednesday and spoke with coach Reggie Theus and the team's training staff afterward regarding his condition.
"It's better than in the season, because when this kind of stuff happens and you try to go through it, you get hurt more."
Udrih wasn't alone. Forward Mikki Moore missed practice with a sore left knee but is expected to play Friday. Shooting guard Kevin Martin practiced after missing Tuesday's game with a right quadriceps strain. Center Brad Miller, who also missed the game, is expected to practice today and remains questionable for Friday.
Also-absent guard Quincy Douby (sprained right ankle) performed agility drills and ran while his teammates practiced. He might attempt to practice today.
Wake-up call – The Kings' film session Wednesday ran approximately 90 minutes, with plenty to dissect and criticize about the game in which they had trailed by 35 points.
"We were able to back up (the tape), slow it down, point it out, tear it apart, and really become very studious about what we're trying to do," Theus said. "The tape doesn't lie."
Guard Bobby Jackson said the players should now know how far they have to go.
"This ain't no kindergarten league," he said. "You've got to be ready to play, regardless if you're Brad, Mikki, Spencer (Hawes), Shelden (Williams), JT (Jason Thompson). Those guys (the Trail Blazers) are athletic. And if you don't come to play and do the right things every night, it's going to be like that every night."
Player cut – The Kings waived center Zhang Kai, trimming the roster to 16 players.
Read the Kings blog at www.sacbee.com/kingsblog.
