Trey Lyles (calf) ruled out for Kings vs. Warriors
Oct 26, 2023, 3:26 PM
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
When the Sacramento Kings take the floor at Golden 1 Center on Friday, they will do so without a key member of their rotation.
After missing Wednesday’s season-opening win against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City due to a left calf strain, forward Trey Lyles will not suit up on Friday when the Kings face the rival Golden State Warriors in their home-opener at Golden 1 Center.
Lyles, who inked a two-year contract to return to Sacramento in July, is progressing toward a return to action, but the Kings are taking a cautious approach with the forward during the early stages of the regular season.
The 27-year-old participated in select drills during Thursday’s practice but has yet to reach the full-contact stage of his workouts.
With Lyles sidelined, rookie forward and EuroLeague sensation Sasha Vezenkov has slid into the backup power forward role during the King’s final two preseason games and Wednesday’s season-opener.
Over 16 minutes of action, Vezenkov scored eight points on three-of-six shooting (two-of-five from three-point range) and swiped two steals.
Lyles is considered day-to-day, and a return to game action doesn’t seem to be far away for the veteran forward.
About Kings forward Trey Lyles
Over 74 games in 2022-23, Lyles averaged 7.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game while shooting 46 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range over 16.9 minutes per appearance.
Lyles brought Sacramento stability at the backup four position while playing spot minutes at the small-ball five, an aspect of his game that he displayed during Games 6 and 7 of the NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors.
A young Kings team needed experience in its rotation, and Lyles–a player who has been a part of three playoff runs with Utah, Denver, and now Sacramento–fit the bill in that regard.
Not only did Lyles bring a veteran presence, but the Kentucky product became a fan favorite due to his notable hustle and ability to make the right play.
When Is The Next Sacramento Kings Game?
Sacramento will return home to face the rival Golden State Warriors on Friday night in a game that ESPN will carry nationally.
The meeting between the Kings and Warriors will mark the 11th time over Sacramento’s past 15 games that these two Northern California heavyweights have met.
Friday’s home opener will be the Kings’ first of three matchups against Golden State during the season’s opening month, with the teams set to meet in Golden State next Wednesday, November 1st.
Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Warriors coverage, beginning at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 7:00 PM PST tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
Sacramento Kings 2023-24 Regular Season Schedule
- Friday, October 27th – Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors – 7 PM PST (Home Opener)
- Sunday, October 29th – Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers – 6 PM PST
- Wednesday, November 1st – Sacramento Kings @ Golden State Warriors – 7 PM PST
- Saturday, November 4th – Sacramento Kings @ Houston Rockets – 5 PM PST
- Monday, November 6th – Sacramento Kings @ Houston Rockets – 5 PM PST
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