Kevin Martin doesn't like keeping count of how many times he has tweaked his troublesome left ankle.
"It seems like once every three weeks," Martin said Friday before entering the visitors' locker room at US Airways Center in Phoenix for treatment. "It's been a frustrating injury all year. I just can't wait to get it right."
Getting it right will require Martin to stay off it, and he won't be afforded that rest until the offseason, barring any more precautionary measures.
Martin originally suffered a mild sprain of his left ankle on Nov. 5, when the Kings beat Memphis for their first victory of the season.
Four days later, he landed awkwardly on the ankle in a victory over the Golden State Warriors and missed the next 12 games. He returned Dec. 2 but played in only two games before missing another 10 games with a sore left ankle.
With so many tweaks on an ankle that seemingly has never fully healed, it's reasonable to suspect there have been conversations about whether Martin should begin rehabilitation early, closing the door on the remaining seven games of the season.
However, the Kings' medical staff indicated there is little concern the injury could worsen if Martin continues to play. Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie said Saturday afternoon that many players are broken down this time of year and it's impossible to speculate whether Martin playing now would affect his ankle later.
Kings coach Kenny Natt said there is no talk of any of his players ending the season early.
"No one has mentioned anything about shutting anyone down," Natt said. "We are playing basketball every night. Everyone is ready to play. We aren't shutting anyone down."
Martin is questionable with a sore ankle for tonight's game against the Warriors at Arco Arena. Kings guard Rashad McCants is also questionable with back spasms.
Martin said his latest tweak was in the fourth quarter of Wednesday's 143-141 overtime loss to the Warriors. In that game, Martin scored a career-high 50 points, becoming the second Sacramento King to hit that mark. Chris Webber was the other, scoring 51 points in an overtime loss to Indiana on Jan. 5, 2001.
Martin said his current treatment regimen includes stimulation, ice and strengthening exercises. He will be re-evaluated in the offseason, when he said his treatment plan will change a bit.
"I'm going to let it get completely healed before I touch a basketball court again," Martin said.
Natt said despite Martin missing Saturday's practice, he is confident that he will have his starting shooting guard tonight.
"I'm assuming Kevin will be playing (against the Warriors), so we will have him back," Natt said. "I am assuming everyone is going to play. Everyone is healthy and ready to play. Until we hear differently from (trainer) Pete (Youngman), then I am expecting everyone to be active."
Meanwhile, Martin targets the April 15 season finale against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After that he will begin a rehabilitation period which he has no idea how long will last.
"Time will tell," he said.
Call The Bee's Melody Gutierrez, (916) 326-5521. To get alerts and game scores sent to your phone, text KINGS to 72737.
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