by James Ham and Rui Thomas
We have a diagnosis. The Sacramento Kings have confirmed that DeMarcus Cousins has missed the Sacramento Kings’ last five games with viral meningitis, an illness that could keep him out even longer. The 24-year-old center is expected to miss his second straight week due to the illness, but according to the Kings medical staff, Cousins’ symptoms are stable and a full recovery is expected.
Cousins last appeared in a game on Nov. 26 against the Rockets in Houston. The Kings sent him home early from San Antonio on Nov. 28, hoping he could return to actions on the 30th against the Grizzlies. But Cousins continued to struggle with fevers and headaches.
On Tuesday, Dec. 2, Cousins looked ready to return against the Toronto Raptors, but after going through shoot around and then warming up in pregame, he was unable to play. Later that evening, he was admitted to a local Sacramento hospital for treatment and rest.
“He hasn’t been able to do anything for over a week now, so I’m not very optimistic about him being back on Monday night,” Michael Malone stated after Saturday’s game versus the Orlando Magic. “But I will wait and see and talk to the doctors.”
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, “meningitis is an inflammation of the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord.”
Symptoms for adults include fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright light, sleepiness or trouble waking up from sleep, nausea vomiting, lack of appetite and lethargy. The illness usually runs its course in seven to 10 days.
In 15 appearances this season (all starts), Cousins is averaging a career-best 23.5 points, 12.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. The Kings were 9-6 with the center in the lineup, and have gone 1-4 since. Veteran Ryan Hollins is starting in his place and averaging three points and 1.3 rebounds per contest.
Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today where the first to report the illness.
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