Here’s why Haliburton missed practice. Will Barnes, Harkless return for Kings vs. Magic?
Kings forwards Harrison Barnes and Maurice Harkless participated in practice Monday as they work their way back from injuries, but interim coach Alvin Gentry said guard Tyrese Haliburton was held out due to illness.
Gentry said Haliburton was the only player who missed practice as the Kings prepare to play the Orlando Magic on Wednesday at Golden 1 Center. Gentry said Haliburton is suffering from a non-COVID-19-related illness.
“Tyrese didn’t go through (practice), but he’s fine,” Gentry said. “He’s just feeling a little under the weather and stuff. Obviously, it’s not any COVID-related thing. He’s just not feeling real good.”
The Kings (10-14) are coming off back-to-back wins over the Los Angeles Clippers. The Magic (5-19) will visit the Golden State Warriors on Monday before coming to Sacramento. Michael Carter-Williams (ankle), Markelle Fultz (knee), Jonathan Isaac (knee), E’Twaun Moore (knee) and rookie first-round draft pick Jalen Suggs (thumb) are all out for Orlando.
Haliburton missed games against the Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs due to lower back tightness in early November. The Kings lost both of those games, falling 109-104 to the Suns and 136-117 to the Spurs.
Gentry didn’t indicate whether he expected Haliburton to be available against Orlando on Wednesday, but he said Haliburton’s illness is similar to the illnesses that caused teammates Richaun Holmes and Marvin Bagley III to miss two games apiece. Holmes missed games against the Portland Trail Blazers on Nov. 24 and Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 26 because of his illness. Bagley missed games against the Lakers on Nov. 30 and Clippers on Dec. 1.
Haliburton, a 2021 Rookie of the Year finalist, is averaging 11.8 points, 5.5 assists and 3.8 rebounds in his second season. Whether Haliburton is able to play or not, help could be on the way.
Gentry said Barnes and Harkless both participated in most of Monday’s practice. Barnes has missed the past four games with a sprained right foot. Harkless has missed four games with left knee soreness. Gentry said the team will see how their bodies respond to practice before determining each player’s status for Wednesday’s game against the Magic.
“We’ll have to wait and see,” Gentry said. “I think there’s a chance, but it’s still questionable. Both of them went through practice today and I thought they did a pretty good job. They didn’t go all the way through the entire thing, but I thought they looked pretty good. Obviously, we’ll have to see the aftereffects of going through practice.”
This story was originally published December 6, 2021 at 2:43 PM.
