DeMarcus Cousins has no timetable for a return to the Sacramento Kings, as he has viral meningitis
The Sacramento Kings continue to be without their best player, as DeMarcus Cousins has officially been diagnosed with viral meningitis, according to a press release by the team. There is no timetable for Cousins’ return.
Unfortunately, viruses can’t be killed like bacteria can be. That means the only real way to get through this for Cousins is a healthy dose of rest. As a part of the statement from the Kings, they echoed that sentiment:
"The Kings medical staff recommends further rest before demands of an NBA schedule can be tolerated. He will continue to be monitored daily, with basketball-related activities expected to resume when his health allows."
This is a major setback for the Kings, who have been much better than anyone expected them to be, at 10-10 in the tough Western Conference. A big reason for their improvement was the play of Cousins, who was averaging 23.5 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.
With Cousins in the lineup, the Kings were 9-6 and looked like they were going to compete for a playoff spot in the West. Without Boogie, they’re just 1-4 and have lost five of six, with their only win being a one-point squeaker over the Indiana Pacers.
The Kings are leaning heavily on Ryan Hollins and Reggie Evans to pick up the slack without Cousins, which is a large reason for their struggles. Even though he’s been the starter for the last five games, Hollins is playing just 17.7 minutes per game with averages of 6.0 points and 2.4 rebounds.
If Sacramento is going to get through this without losing too much ground, they’ll need guys like Rudy Gay, Darren Collison and Ben McLemore to pick up the slack.