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Skal Labissiere sprains ankle: Probable to face the Brooklyn Nets

By Tyler Watts

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 02: Skal Labissiere #7 of the Sacramento Kings dives after a lose ball with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 of the Charlotte Hornets during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on January 2, 2018 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 02: Skal Labissiere #7 of the Sacramento Kings dives after a lose ball with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 of the Charlotte Hornets during an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on January 2, 2018 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Skal Labissiere sprained his ankle in the game on Feb. 27.  He is probable to face the Brooklyn Nets.  Continue reading for more information.

Skal Labissiere recently returned from an over two-week absence with a shoulder strain.  He appeared to be hitting his stride including a 20 point performance on Monday against Minnesota.  Then, the Sacramento Kings‘ big man again fell victim to injury.  Labissiere sprained his ankle on  Feb. 27 against the Trail Blazers, and it showed in his final stat line.  He only played 26 minutes and shot one of five from the field.  Skal also had more personal fouls than rebounds and scored just six points.  It was a poor performance, but the ankle injury likely played a factor.

Kings fans got some positive news on Wednesday, though.  Below is a Tweet from Jason Jones regarding Thursday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.

What the news means

The probable designation means it is approximately 75% likely that Labissiere plays on March 1.  It also means that the ankle injury he suffered is not that severe.  Labissiere should be ready to play in short order, and the Kings need him on the court.  The big man has to improve his game and show the organization that he is a piece they should build around.  Labissiere is probably the player I look forward to watching most down the stretch as I still am on the fence about what role he plays in the future.  Stay tuned and monitor his production going forward.

Who steps up

The other issue for the Kings is their lack of options at the position with Skal out.  Sacramento has Kosta Koufos and Zach Randolph, but they are trying to rebuild.  Every NBA team knows what those two can produce on the court, so giving them significant minutes on a rebuilding team makes little sense.  Hopefully, Labissiere is ready to play on Thursday and continues his development the rest of this season.

Final thoughts

Skal Labissiere sprained his ankle on Tuesday against Portland but looks to be healthy enough to play in the March opener.  The news is positive so far, but be sure to check on his status as tipoff approaches.  The Kings have three games remaining this week, so the team may want to be cautious with Labissiere.  Stay tuned.

Next: De'Aaron Fox's mid-season report card

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