Kings vs. Timberwolves gameday: DeMar DeRozan, Trey Lyles injuries and 3 things to watch
The Kings have a depleted roster and a four-game losing streak going into Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis.
Small forward DeMar DeRozan is back on the injury list after a back injury flared up following Monday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. DeRozan, who recently returned after missing three games with lower back tightness, has been ruled out with lower back muscle inflammation.
Power forward Trey Lyles is expected to miss at least three to four weeks with a right calf strain. Sources told The Sacramento Bee on Tuesday the Kings were closing in on a free-agent deal with 13-year NBA veteran Jae Crowder to address the lack of depth at the forward spots, which was already a weakness.
The Kings (8-10) are reeling after losing seven of 10 to fall to 12th in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves (8-9) are just a half-game ahead of the Kings. They have lost three in a row and six of their last eight.
Here are three things to watch in Wednesday’s game.
Fire Fox
The Timberwolves beat the Kings 130-126 in overtime on Nov. 15 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento despite a historic performance from De’Aaron Fox, who scored 60 points to break a franchise record that stood for 64 years.
Fox was held to 14 points on 5-of-14 shooting in Monday’s loss to Oklahoma City after averaging 37.7 points over the previous six games. Fox has fought valiantly to carry the Kings through their injury woes despite playing with an injured pinky finger on his shooting hand. Can he carry them now with DeRozan and Lyles both sidelined due to injuries?
How long will DeRozan be out?
The Kings announced DeRozan will miss Wednesday’s game with a potentially ominous caveat: “Further updates will be provided as necessary.” That leaves open the possibility the six-time All-Star could miss additional time based on further testing and how his body responds to treatment.
DeRozan recently missed three games due to lower back tightness. He returned in Friday’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. DeRozan acknowledged he was still experiencing discomfort while a member of the team’s medical staff administered electrical stimulation to his back following the game.
Can Kings slow Anthony Edwards?
Kings coach Mike Brown started Keon Ellis over Kevin Huerter in Sunday’s game against Oklahoma City. Judging by Brown’s explanation, Ellis will continue to start, but the Kings will have a makeshift lineup with DeRozan and Lyles both out.
Huerter could move back into the starting lineup with Fox, Ellis, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis. Brown could also go bigger with Alex Len, Isaac Jones or Orlando Robinson.
Whatever the Kings do, they will have to contend with Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, who is averaging a career-high 27.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 steals. He is shooting career bests of 47.2% from the field and 43.8% from 3-point range on a career-high 11.1 attempts per game. Edwards had 36 points in the Nov. 15 win over the Kings, going 14 of 27 from the field and 6 of 14 from long distance.
Kings at Timberwolves
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Target Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Timberwolves -4.5
Over/under: 221.5
Injury report
Kings: OUT — Devin Carter (shoulder); Isaiah Crawford (G League); DeMar DeRozan (back); Mason Jones (G League); Trey Lyles (calf).
Timberwolves: Not yet submitted.
