Kevin Huerter Cleared to Start for Sacramento Kings in Season Opener Against Minnesota Timberwolves

The Sacramento Kings have confirmed that Kevin Huerter will be available to play in their season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. Huerter, who missed the entire preseason due to a shoulder injury, has been cleared to return and will retain his spot in the starting lineup.

Huerter’s return is significant for the Kings, as he brings a dynamic offensive presence to the team. Despite a somewhat disappointing 2023-24 season where he averaged 10.2 points and 36.1% shooting from beyond the arc, Huerter still made a positive impact on the team, with an on/off net rating of +0.9.

In addition to Huerter, the Kings will also have Trey Lyles and Malik Monk available for the game. Lyles, who suffered a groin strain in September, and Monk, who had a hand injury, both missed games during the preseason but are now ready to contribute off the bench.

The Kings will, however, be without their 2024 first-round pick, Devin Carter, and free agent acquisition, Orlando Robinson, due to injuries. Carter is dealing with a shoulder injury, and Robinson has an MCL issue.

Coach Mike Brown has expressed confidence in the lineup, which includes De’Aaron Fox, Huerter, DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis. This lineup is expected to be potent on offense, with Huerter’s three-point shooting and the defensive attention drawn by Fox and DeRozan.

The game against the Timberwolves marks the beginning of the 2024-25 NBA season for the Kings, and it will be a challenging opener given Minnesota’s size and strength, even without Karl-Anthony Towns).