Skal Labissiere sat out the Jan. 17 contest against the Utah Jazz with a left shoulder strain. We examine the news and if Labissiere will miss more time.
Skal Labissiere is a significant part of the Sacramento Kings youth movement. The Kings view him as their stretch four of the future. One they are hoping is more Kevin Love than Channing Frye. To reach those heights, Labissiere needs time on the court and some major developments. The news of Sacramento resting at least two veterans each game sounded like a significant development for him, but then an injury cropped up. Below is a Tweet from Jason Jones from Wednesday afternoon.
Tonight vs Utah, Skal Labissiere (Left Shoulder Strain)-OUT
— Jason Jones (@mr_jasonjones) January 17, 2018
Labissiere is listed as day-to-day.
What the news means
Labissiere did miss Wednesday’s game against the Utah Jazz. The vagueness of the injury makes it hard to read going forward. The Kings say he is day-to-day, but without knowing the severity of the strain or any specifics, it is hard to know anything. Sacramento next plays on Friday in Memphis. Consider Labissiere questionable for that game until further information comes out.
Leaving a door open for the vets
The injury to Labissiere opens the door for Zach Randolph and Kosta Koufos to continue to play a prominent roles despite the shift toward the youngsters. Z-Bo figured to be in for a big game on Friday as he returns to Memphis to face his former team. If Skal sits, there are no roadblocks to Randolph playing 30 plus minutes and trying to exact a bit of revenge on the Grizzlies. Stay tuned.
Final thoughts
Skal Labissiere missed the Kings last game with a left shoulder strain. He is considered day-to-day moving forward. Sacramento needs Labissiere to get healthy and back on the court. The team needs to do some roster inventory in the second half of the season. That is the only way to find your flaws and improve as they continue to figure out a way to end their lengthy playoff drought. Hopefully, Skal returns on Friday and has a breakout second half of the season.
Next: Kings rumors: Finding Zach Randolph a contender
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