Kings’ Precious Achiuwa exits Blazers preseason game with right ankle injury

Sacramento Kings forward Precious Achiuwa left Tuesday’s preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers with a right ankle injury and did not return, the team announced during the contest. Brenden Nunes reported the Kings’ in-game ruling that Achiuwa would not return with a right ankle issue.

Achiuwa had started and finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block and two made threes in 25 minutes before exiting late in Sacramento’s 110-98 loss at Golden 1 Center, according to reports. He shot 5-of-15 from the field.

Frontcourt depth already thin

The exit adds another question mark to a Kings frontcourt already missing Maxime Raynaud (right patellar subluxation) and Dylan Cardwell (left calf strain), both set for reevaluation in about two weeks. Domantas Sabonis was among the rotation players rested Tuesday, so Achiuwa had drawn the start and heavier minutes behind the starters who did play.

Keegan Murray was the only projected starter available, SacTown Sports noted, as Sacramento sat Zach LaVine, Sabonis, Malik Monk, Cardwell, Raynaud, Ben Simmons, Darius Acuff Jr. and De’Andre Hunter. Coach Doug Christie said the staff is balancing chemistry-building with workload and soreness management a week before the regular-season opener.

Achiuwa was expected to be evaluated further on Wednesday. No severity or return timetable has been confirmed. If he misses time at the start of the season, Jonathan Mogbo is among the next options behind Sabonis, according to reports.

Sacramento’s next preseason game is Friday, October 16, against the San Antonio Spurs, then the regular season opens October 21 at the LA Clippers.

WhyNBA Sports Desk

The WhyNBA Sports Desk writes basketball explainers and dated news briefs. Official references stay with each guide.