For the first time in six months, fans of the Sacramento Kings will get to watch their team play meaningful basketball, as today, the team hosts the Minnesota Timberwolves in their season opener. But who will the Kings have available to them? Who will be missing? In this article, we answer all that and more.
Kevin Huerter Injury Update
The biggest injury news is the status of Kevin Huerter. After missing the last 15 games of the 2023-24 season with injury (17 if you count the play-in), Huerter did not see a second of action during the preseason. This left many to wonder what the sharpshooter's status would be for the season opener.
Fortunately, Kings' fans can rest assured knowing that Huerter will be ready to go for the season opener. Not only that, but it seems like he will retain his spot in the team's starting lineup (which was being occupied by Keon Ellis in Huerter's absence). This is something we at A Royal Pain don't necessarily agree with, but that's a different story for a different post (this post, to be exact).
Other Sacramento Kings Injuries
It seems like the Kings will be pretty healthy heading into their game against the Timberwolves. Along with Huerter, Malik Monk (hand) and Trey Lyles (groin) – who both also missed games during the preseason – will also be available and ready to contribute to today's game. The two of them will be coming off the bench.
Unfortunately, the Kings will continue to be without their 2024 first round pick, Devin Carter (shoulder), and their free agent acquisition, Orlando Robinson (MCL).
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Update
The good news for the Kings is that the Timberwolves won't have any excuses if we beat them. Minnesota comes into this game about as healthy as you can be when playing professional sports.
Unlike us, the Timberwolves have already played a game, falling to the Los Angeles Lakers 110-103 on Tuesday.