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Willie Cauley-Stein set to miss third straight game with back strain

By Tyler Watts

SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 26: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 26, 2018 at Golden 1 Center 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 26: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 26, 2018 at Golden 1 Center 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Willie Cauley-Stein has a lower back strain that has ruled him out for the Sacramento Kings’ March 7 game.  Continue reading for more information.

Willie Cauley-Stein is establishing himself as a critical member of the Sacramento Kings organization.  He is just 24 years old but has taken a step forward this season.  Cauley-Stein looks capable of being the starting center for the Kings for years to come.

Hopefully, his back can hold up to rigors.  Trill missed a few games with a back injury in December.  He has once again strained his lower back and missed the last two contests.  Then, James Ham sent out the following Tweet about his status for the March 7 game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

What the news means

The injury puts WCS on the sidelines for the third consecutive game.  The news may get worse as he was unable to practice on Tuesday also.  I would be surprised if the Kings return Cauley-Stein before he is 100 percent meaning he likely misses a few more games.  It is disappointing news especially given his recent play, but Trill needs to get healthy.

Related Story: Willie Cauley-Stein's mid-season report card

Who steps up?

The question of who plays is trying to answer at this point in the season.  If Zach Randolph suits up, then he, Kosta Koufos, and Skal Labissiere likely dominate the frontcourt minutes.  Vince Carter cleans up the scraps at four in this scenario.  When Z-Bo rests, Labissiere sees extended run and Sacramento plays more small ball.  Koufos and Labissiere play the five with Carter, Jackson, and Bruno Caboclo sliding in at the four.  If Randolph is in the starting five, then he is out.  That means you will know which way the Kings are going before tipoff this evening.

A wrench gets thrown in if Labissiere is out.  He is questionable with a knee injury, and it would leave Sacramento limited in the frontcourt if he is unable to play.  Monitor Skal Labissiere’s status as game time approaches.

Final thoughts

Willie Cauley-Stein has a lower back strain that will cause him to miss a third consecutive game on March 7.  The Kings have two more games this week, and it is impossible to say for sure that WCS suits up for either.  Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

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

A Royal Pain brings a unique perspective on the Sacramento Kings.  Our team aims to differentiate and provide opinions you cannot find anywhere else, so please check back with us frequently.  Thank you for reading.

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