The Kings suffered more than just a loss yesterday against the Warriors; Early in the game rookie big man Marvin Bagley had to be helped to the locker room on what appeared to be a non-contact knee injury. Fortunately, an MRI determined there was no structural damage and the injury has been assessed as a bone bruise, with Bagley to be reevaluated in 10-14 days.
The loss of Bagley is not to be underestimated. Bagley has been a key cog for Sacramento’s bench. In his absence, the Kings will likely lean on veteran Nemanja Bjelica even more, but it’s also potentially an opportunity for Harry Giles or even Skal Labissiere. Giles has been playing more Center than Power Forward this season, but he has the athleticism to play either position. Giles is also a strong rebounder and passer, so my bet is that he sees an uptick in playing time.
Skal hasn’t played much at all this season, only appearing in 7 games and usually only at the end of blowouts. He hasn’t suited up at all in recent weeks but will likely be active while Bagley is out. If Skal does get a chance to play, he’ll have to make the most of the opportunity if he wants to try to keep a spot in the rotation. Skal is a better shooter than either Bagley or Giles, and can stretch the floor a little bit better than they can, but he’ll need to also provide rebounding and defense without fouling, both things he has struggled with in the past.
The Kings also lost forward Iman Shumpert to a hip pointer last night and it will remain to be seen when he returns. The Kings will now head on the road for two games, starting with the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
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