Kings-Heat gameday live: Latest updates on Kevin Huerter, Dewayne Dedmon, Victor Oladipo
Note: Come back to this story throughout the day for the latest news, notes and injury updates on today’s game.
Kings guard Kevin Huerter participated in practice Friday after hurting his shoulder in Thursday’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Kings coach Mike Brown and Huerter himself said the injury was not believed to be serious, but his status is a bit uncertain for Saturday’s game against the Miami Heat at Golden 1 Center.
The Kings listed Huerter as probable with left shoulder soreness. Huerter said he was alright as he left the locker room following a 125-110 loss to the Grizzlies. Brown said Huerter was a full participant in Friday’s practice as the Kings (0-4) prepared to face the Heat (2-4).
Huerter left the game against the Grizzlies and headed straight to the locker room following a collision with Dillon Brooks late in the first half. He returned for the start of the second half but played only four minutes before going to the bench for the rest of the game. The team said Huerter was not officially ruled out, but he did not return.
If Huerter isn’t available, the Kings will likely start Malik Monk. The 24-year-old guard struggled in the first two games, but he had 16 points, seven rebounds and eight assists against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. He followed that performance with 15 points and seven assists against the Grizzlies.
Miami will be missing Victor Oladipo and Omer Yurtseven. Dewayne Dedmon, who spent part of the 2019-20 season with Sacramento, is questionable due to a non-COVID-19 illness.
Oladipo and Yurtseven have yet to appear in a game this season. Oladipo, who has appeared in only 12 regular-season games over the past two seasons, is recovering from a knee injury. He is considered day-to-day but did not accompany the team on its three-game West Coast road trip. Yurtseven has been out with an ankle injury and isn’t expected to return until November, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman.
Sacramento and Miami are both off to disappointing starts. The Heat has the fourth-toughest strength of schedule to date. The Kings have faced the 10th-most difficult schedule.
Miami lost to the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics, split two games against the Toronto Raptors, then beat the Portland Trail Blazers before losing to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. Six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler leads the team in scoring at 22.7 points per game.
The Kings haven’t beat anyone yet. They opened the season with four consecutive losses to the Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers, Warriors and Grizzlies, who have a combined record of 14-7.
De’Aaron Fox has been sensational in his sixth season out of Kentucky, averaging 30.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.3 steals. Keegan Murray, a rookie first-round draft pick who made his first career start against the Grizzlies, is averaging 17.7 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 51.3% from the field and 41.7% from 3-point range.
Tighter rotation
Brown said he is planning to tighten up his rotation against Miami after going deep into his bench in Thursday’s loss to the Grizzlies.
“Just like I’m demanding the guys to keep trying to get better, hopefully sooner than later, I have to do the same thing, so it’s no different for me,” Brown said. “I’ve got to try to tighten up the rotation a little bit and give the guys who are on the floor an opportunity to see what they can do after getting some rhythm.”
Updates
Huerter has been cleared to play against Miami. He will take his regular place in the starting lineup.
Dedmon has been ruled out for the Heat
Heat at Kings
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Heat -3.0
Over/under: 227
Injury report
Heat: QUESTIONABLE — Dewayne Dedmon (non-COVID illness). OUT — Victor Oladipo (not with team); Omer Yurtseven (not with team).
Kings: PROBABLE — Kevin Huerter (shoulder).
Upcoming schedule
10/29 vs. Miami Heat
10/31 at Charlotte Hornets
11/2 at Miami Heat
11/5 at Orlando Magic
11/7 at Golden State Warriors
This story was originally published October 29, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
