Kings gameday live: De’Aaron Fox out vs. Celtics due to injury; Davion Mitchell will start
The Kings could be without point guard De’Aaron Fox when they play host to the Boston Celtics on Friday night at Golden 1 Center.
Fox is listed as questionable after suffering an injury to his right hand in Wednesday’s 135-126 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Interim Kings coach Alvin Gentry was asked about Fox’s injury Thursday on “The Nick Cattles Show” on Sports 1140 KHTK.
“We had it X-rayed and everything and it’s going to be one of those things where, short term, we’ve just got to manage the pain, but long term, it’s going to be fine,” Gentry said.
The Kings (25-46) have ruled Jeremy Lamb out for Friday’s game. Lamb is expected to miss his third game in a row due to personal reasons. Sacramento posted an impressive 112-103 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday, but the Kings have lost 10 of 13 to fall four games behind the New Orleans Pelicans for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference.
The Celtics (42-28) have been one of the hottest teams in the league since late January, winning 17 of 20 to climb to fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics are fully healthy as the playoffs approach with the exception of forward Aaron Nesmith, who has been out since March 3 with a right ankle sprain.
Holmes’ season is over
Kings general manager Monte McNair announced center Richaun Holmes will miss the rest of the season due to personal reasons. The announcement came as the Kings were preparing to face the Celtics on Friday.
“Richaun is a core member of our team, who is very important to our success,” McNair said in a news release. “We fully support Rich and look forward to seeing him back on the court for the 2022-23 NBA season.”
Holmes, 28, is in the first year of a four-year, $44.5 million contract. He averaged 10.4 points and 7.0 rebounds in 45 games this season. He has missed 26 games due to injuries and illnesses, including a case of COVID-19 and an eye injury that required surgery.
“I would like to thank everyone for their support during these difficult times,” Holmes said. “I love this team, I love my teammates and I look forward to returning next year.”
Fox ruled out
During his pregame news conference, Gentry said Fox had been ruled out for Friday’s game due to his hand injury. Gentry said Fox is considered day-to-day. The Kings will start rookie Davion Mitchell in place of Fox.
Note: Check back throughout the day for updates on tonight’s game between the Kings and Celtics.
Boston Celtics at Sacramento Kings
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sports 1140 KHTK
Odds: Celtics -9.0
Over/under: 224.5
Injury report
Celtics: OUT — Aaron Nesmith (ankle); Luke Kornet (G League); Matt Ryan (G League); Brodric Thomas (G League).
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — De’Aaron Fox (hand). OUT — Terence Davis (wrist); Jeremy Lamb (personal); Neemias Queta (G League).
This story was originally published March 18, 2022 at 4:55 AM.
