Injury setbacks sideline Kings forwards DeMar DeRozan and Trey Lyles. Here’s what we know
Sacramento’s injury woes are only getting worse as the Kings prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday at Target Center in Minneapolis.
Forwards DeMar DeRozan and Trey Lyles both suffered injury setbacks during Monday’s 130-109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden 1 Center. The Kings were finally close to full strength with the return of Malik Monk, but now they will be shorthanded for weeks to come.
The Kings were closing in on a deal with veteran free agent forward Jae Crowder on Tuesday with DeRozan and Lyles both expected to miss time. DeRozan experienced lower back muscle inflammation following the loss to Oklahoma City. Lyles left the game in the second quarter due to calf soreness.
An MRI showed Lyles suffered a grade 1 right calf strain. The team said Lyles will be reevaluated in three to four weeks.
DeRozan has been ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the Timberwolves. The Kings said “further updates will be provided as necessary,” leaving open the possibility that DeRozan could miss additional games.
DeRozan recently missed three games due to lower back tightness. He returned in Friday’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Following the game, DeRozan acknowledged he was still experiencing discomfort while a member of the team’s medical staff administered electrical stimulation to his back.
DeRozan, who came to Sacramento over the summer in a three-team sign-and-trade deal, is averaging 22.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals. He is shooting 50.8% from the field, 29.4% from 3-point range and 82% at the free-throw line.
Lyles is averaging 5.4 points and 3.9 rebounds in 19.6 minutes per game as one of the team’s top reserves. He is shooting 36.3% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc and 71.4% at the foul line.
This story was originally published November 26, 2024 at 4:53 PM.
