Kings gameday live: Tyrese Haliburton enters COVID-19 protocols before rematch vs. Rockets
The Kings could be pretty close to full strength when they face the Houston Rockets against Sunday at Golden 1 Center, but that will depend on the status of centers Richaun Holmes and Damian Jones.
Jones cleared NBA health and safety protocols Saturday after Holmes was cleared earlier in the week, but both players are listed as questionable against the Rockets due to return to competition reconditioning.
The Kings (18-27) have won their last two games without Holmes and Jones, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 125-116 on Wednesday and the Rockets 126-114 on Friday. The Rockets (12-32) have lost 12 of 14.
Holmes has missed the past eight games due to health and safety protocols and reconditioning. Interim coach Alvin Gentry explained the Kings are taking their time with Holmes, who has missed 18 of the past 27 games due to illness and injuries.
Jones has missed four games since entering the league’s protocol system. Alex Len and Chimezie Metu have started at center with Holmes and Jones out of the lineup.
The Kings have ruled Tristan Thompson out for Sunday’s game due to a non-COVID-19 illness. Robert Woodard II is still out due to health and safety protocols.
Haliburton enters protocols
The Kings got some bad news when guard Tyrese Haliburton entered NBA health and safety protocols prior to Sunday’s game against the Rockets. Haliburton, a finalist for Rookie of the Year last season, is averaging 13.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 7.1 assists. He is the 12th Kings player to enter the league’s protocol system since mid-December.
Bagley ruled out
Kings forward Marvin Bagley III has been ruled out for Sunday’s game due to right shoulder soreness. Bagley has started the past 11 games, averaging 10.8 points and 8.4 rebounds.
Houston Rockets at Sacramento Kings
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sports 1140 KHTK
Odds: TBD
Over/under: TBD
Injury report
Rockets: OUT — Usman Garuba (G League); Daishen Nix (G League); Trevelin Queen (G League).
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Richaun Holmes (reconditioning); Damian Jones (reconditioning). OUT — Tristan Thompson (Non-COVID illness); Robert Woodard II (health and safety protocols).
This story was originally published January 16, 2022 at 4:00 AM.
