Trey Lyles (calf strain) upgraded to questionable vs. Pelicans
Nov 22, 2023, 9:35 AM | Updated: 9:41 am
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
As the injuries pile up for the Sacramento Kings, one player could return as soon as Wednesday night.
Sacramento has upgraded the status of Trey Lyles to questionable for the Kings’ matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, as it appears that the veteran forward is very close to a return to action.
Lyles, who has missed all 13 of Sacramento’s games this season due to a left calf strain, could suit up for a Kings team with six players listed on its injury report for Wednesday’s game against the Pelicans.
According to The Sacramento Bee’s Chris Biderman, Lyles participated in morning shoot-around and plans to make his season debut at Smoothie King Center.
Kings forward Trey Lyles (calf strain) has been upgraded to questionable for Wednesday’s game in New Orleans.
Lyles appears to be close to making his season debut. pic.twitter.com/6189TFqo9Y
— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) November 21, 2023
Sacramento could utilize Lyles against New Orleans, especially if Keegan Murray (low-back soreness), Chris Duarte (left thumb soreness), and Sasha Vezenkov (left thumb soreness) are unable to play.
The Kings will likely be cautious with Lyles, a player expected to be an integral piece of the rotation after signing a two-year, $16 million deal to return to Sacramento during the offseason.
Lyles has been working on his return to competition conditioning for weeks and recently participated in full-contact five-on-five, meaning that the 28-year-old has likely checked all of the boxes needed to make his return.
More information on Lyles’ status for Wednesday will become available before tonight’s 5:00 PM PST tip-off from New Orleans.
For more information about tonight’s Kings vs. Pelicans action, you can read our preview and full injury report below:
About Kings forward Trey Lyles
During the 2022-23 season, Lyles was a key piece of Mike Brown’s rotation as the veteran forward posted 7.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game on 46/36/81 shooting splits over 74 games.
Sacramento has been without one of their top reserves this season as Lyles nurses a left calf strain, meaning that Brown has called on players like Sasha Vezenkov, Chris Duarte, and Kessler Edwards to fill the void.
The Kings have missed Lyles’ impact on both ends of the floor, especially on the offensive end, where he acted as a solid floor-spacer in the second unit alongside Malik Monk and Davion Mitchell.
More clarity on Sacramento’s injured players is expected to come during Brown’s pregame press conference at 3:45 PM PST on Wednesday night.
When is the next Sacramento Kings Game?
The Kings and Pelicans will return to the Smoothie King Center on Monday for a rematch in what will be Sacramento’s final game in New Orleans this season.
Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Pelicans coverage, beginning at 3:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 5:00 PM PST tip-off from New Orleans.
Upcoming Schedule
- Wednesday, November 22nd – Sacramento Kings @ New Orleans Pelicans – 5:00 PM PST
- Friday, November 24th – Sacramento Kings @ Minnesota Timberwolves** – 5:00 PM PST
- Tuesday, November 28th – Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors** – 7:00 PM PST
- Wednesday, November 29th – Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 7:00 PM PST
- Saturday, December 2nd – Sacramento Kings vs. Denver Nuggets – 7:00 PM PST
** NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play
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