Kings gameday live: Wizards’ Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Kuzma could have been Sacramento Kings
They could have been Kings, but now they are coming to Sacramento as members of the Washington Wizards.
Over the summer, Kings general manager Monte McNair nearly pulled off a trade that would have sent Buddy Hield to the Los Angeles Lakers for Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Kuzma. Instead, the Wizards swooped in, acquiring Harrell, Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in a blockbuster deal for Russell Westbrook.
The Kings might wonder what could have been when they open a three-game homestand against the Wizards on Wednesday night at Golden 1 Center. Both teams are in desperate need of a win.
The Kings (11-17) just lost three in a row on the road, losing a close game to a shorthanded Charlotte Hornets squad before getting blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors.
The Wizards (15-13) have lost five of their last six after going 14-8 to start the season. Their only win during that stretch was an overtime victory against the Detroit Pistons, who have lost 12 in a row dating back to Nov. 19.
Kuzma is averaging 13.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists, but he is expected to miss his third game under NBA health and safety protocols. Harrell is averaging 14.7 points and a career-high 7.9 rebounds in a backup role for the Wizards.
Holmes doubtful
The Kings provided an update on the status of Richaun Holmes on Tuesday, listing their starting center as doubtful for Wednesday’s game against the Wizards.
Holmes has missed the past three games with a right eye laceration. He sustained the injury in a 142-130 victory over the Orlando Magic on Dec. 8. The Kings are 2-4 in games Holmes has missed this season.
Gentry out with COVID-19
Interim Kings coach Alvin Gentry has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be on the bench when his team faces the Wizards.
Gentry, 67, told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski he is “largely asymptomatic, except for a scratchy throat.” A source told The Sacramento Bee an acting head coach will be named after the Kings undergo additional testing to determine if there are more positive tests. Assistant coaches Mike Longabardi and Doug Christie are considered the most likely candidates.
Bagley enters health and safety protocols
Kings forward Marvin Bagley III has been ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the Wizards after entering NBA health and safety protocols.
The Kings updated Bagley’s status hours after Gentry revealed he would miss the game after testing positive for COVID-19. Players who enter the league’s health and safety protocols must be out a minimum of 10 days or until they produce two negative tests in a period of at least 24 hours. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was cleared after missing one game against the Kings on Nov. 30.
Washington Wizards at Sacramento Kings
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sports 1140 KHTK
Odds: Wizards -2.0
Over/under: 225
Injury report
Kings: DOUBTFUL — Richaun Holmes (eye). OUT — Louis King (G League); Neemias Queta (G League); Jahmi’us Ramsey (G League); Robert Woodard II (G League).
Wizards: QUESTIONABLE — Kyle Kuzma (health and safety protocols). OUT – Joel Ayayi (G League); Thomas Bryant (knee); Rui Hachimura (not with team); Isaiah Todd (G League); Cassius Winston (G League).
Note: Check back for updates with the latest news, notes, quotes and injury updates throughout the day leading up to tonight’s game between the Kings and Wizards.
This story was originally published December 15, 2021 at 4:00 AM.
