Sources: Sacramento Kings face COVID-19 outbreak with additional players testing positive
Note: This is a developing story. Check back for updates throughout the day.
A COVID-19 outbreak forced the Kings to cancel practice and shut down their team facility Thursday with additional players expected to enter NBA health and safety protocols.
Interim coach Alvin Gentry, guard Terence Davis and forward Marvin Bagley III entered the league’s protocol system prior to Wednesday’s 119-105 win over the Washington Wizards at Golden 1 Center. Sources told The Sacramento Bee there were additional positive tests Thursday with the possibility of more as the team undergoes increased testing throughout the day. Players and staff are undergoing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with same-day results. Testing is required whether individuals are vaccinated or not.
The situation in Sacramento worsened Thursday afternoon when De’Aaron Fox, Alex Len and two-way player Louis King entered health and safety protocols.
All activities inside the team facility were canceled Thursday, including practice, meetings and medical treatment. Sources said there was internal concern over the number of players who will be available for Friday’s home game against the Memphis Grizzlies and “in the near future.”
Tyrese Haliburton (back) and Chimezie Metu (knee) were listed as questionable for Friday’s game. Fox, Len and Richaun Holmes (eye) were doubtful. Bagley, Davis and King were ruled out. Even if those eight players are unable to play, the Kings could have as many as nine players available against the Grizzlies.
The league requires teams to have a minimum of eight players available for each game. Earlier this week, the NBA postponed the next two games for the Chicago Bulls, who had 10 players out due to health and safety protocols.
NBA health and safety protocols require players to be sidelined for a minimum of 10 days or until they produce two negative tests at least 24 hours apart. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was cleared to return after missing just one game against the Kings on Nov. 30, but other players have experienced prolonged absences.
The Kings have encountered COVID-19 cases in the past, but this is the first time they have experienced this kind of outbreak. Gentry told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski he tested positive Wednesday morning. Bagley and Davis entered health and safety protocols Wednesday afternoon as the Kings were preparing to open a three-game homestand against the Wizards, adding to the growing number of players and coaches who have entered the protocol system over the past two weeks.
This story was originally published December 16, 2021 at 12:23 PM.
