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De’Aaron Fox questionable to face the Magic with a back strain

By Tyler Watts

SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 26: De'Aaron Fox #5 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: De'Aaron Fox #5 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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De’Aaron Fox is questionable for the Sacramento Kings game on March 9 with a lower back strain. Continue reading for more information.

De’Aaron Fox once again could not finish out a game.  The Sacramento Kings hosted the New Orleans Pelicans on March 7.  Fox only lasted five minutes before a back injury ruled him out for the rest of the game.  That is the fourth time in 2018 that Fox has been unable to finish a contest with an injury.  The focus now shifts to how severe the back strain is and when Fox returns to the court.

The Kings return to action on Friday against the Orlando Magic.  Below is a Tweet from Sean Cunningham detailing Sacramento’s injury report for that contest.

What the news means

With no new information provided, Kings fans will have to monitor the status reports as tipoff draws closer.  Willie Cauley-Stein missed a few games each time he had a back strain, so my guess is Fox is out against Orlando.  Hopefully, the Kings give an update on the injury before tonight’s game gets underway.

Related Story: De'Aaron Fox's mid-season report card

Who steps up?

If Fox is out, Frank Mason is the clear beneficiary.  The fellow rookie played 29 minutes on Wednesday after Fox went down.  I would suspect Mason receives over 30 without Fox and likely performs well.  The rest of the point guard minutes get split between Garrett Temple and Bogdan Bogdanovic.  That forces both players out of their nature positions, but they have the flexible to complete the task.

Fox on the sidelines is not the ideal situation for anyone, though.  Sacramento needs the young man on the court developing.  His 3-point shooting has shown growth this season, and the NBA game is finally starting to slow down for Fox.  A speedy recovery in time for the March 9 game is all we can hope for Kings fans.

Final thoughts

De’Aaron Fox is questionable to face the Orlando Magic on Friday.  Be sure to check Twitter or watch the pregame show to find out his official status for the game time.  The Kings are not going to risk their prized rookie if he is not feeling close to 100 percent.  Keep that in mind when thinking about his status.

Next: Willie Cauley-Stein's mid-season report card

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