Skal Labissiere questionable to face the Jazz with a left shoulder strain

Skal Labissiere is questionable for the Jan. 17 game against the Utah Jazz with a shoulder strain.  We examine the news and who steps up if Labissiere is out.

Skal Labissiere has had a rough first half of the regular season.  He ended last season drawing 12 starts for the Sacramento Kings and playing significant minutes after the All-Star Break.  His sophomore campaign has seen him only play 17.2 minutes a night and even earn a few DNP-CD’s.

The minute’s increase is coming, though.  Labissiere started on Monday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and after the game Coach Joerger announced that two veterans would sit in each game moving forward to play the young players more.  You can read more about that here, but it means more Labissiere.

That is why Tuesday’s news was a major disappointment.  Below is a tweet from James Ham about Wednesday’s contest.

What the news means

It is unclear if Labissiere injured himself in Monday’s game or this has been nagging him for an extended period.  Tuesday was the first mention of the injury.  There is no guarantee at this moment it costs Labissiere any playing time.  Why risk an injured future asset when you have already signaled you are not competing this season?  Stay tuned for updates as tipoff approaches.

Who steps up?

Zach Randolph rested on Monday, and you have to figure he returns on Wednesday.  If Labissiere is out, Z-Bo likely starts and plays at least 25 minutes.  The Kings could also play Vince Carter, Kosta Koufos, or small ball with Justin Jackson or Malachi Richardson manning the power forward spot.  Hopefully, Skal is healthy and plays 28-30 minutes against the Jazz on Jan. 17.

Final thoughts

Skal Labissiere has a left shoulder strain that is putting into question his playing status for Wednesday’s game against the Utah Jazz.  The Kings are not competing so I would guess if the injury is of any severity, he is out until he returns to full health.  Stay tuned for further updates as they become available.

Next: Kings rumors: Finding Zach Randolph a contender

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