So much for harebrained theories that DeMarcus Cousins is exaggerating his illness. According to a report from USA Today, the Sacramento Kings superstar is suffering from viral meningitis and will be sidelined at least another seven to 10 days.
The story is courtesy of Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt:
Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins has missed the past five games with a case of viral meningitis and continues to recover slowly, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation.
The people spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the team had not detailed the initial diagnosis.
The Kings announced Wednesday that Cousins had been treated at a local hospital for a viral infection and that he would miss this weekend’s games against the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic.
But while the possibility was left open that he could return on Monday against the Utah Jazz, it’s now more likely that he would attempt to resume basketball activities later in the week is expected to miss at least another seven to 10 days.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention describes viral meningitis as “an inflammation of the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord.” There is no specific treatment for the disease and most of the afflicted “recover on their own within 7 to 10 days.”
After starting the season a surprising 9-6, Sacramento has gone just 1-4 in Cousins’ absence and fallen to 10-10. The Kings will play four games over the next six days – three of which are against sub-.500 clubs – followed by matchups with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday and Thursday of next week. They’re currently one and-a-half games back of the Phoenix Suns for the West’s eighth and final playoff spot.
Sacramento’s offensive rating is 10.0 points better with Cousins on the court. His influence looms even larger on the other end, where the Kings surrender 13.5 points more per 100 possessions when he’s out of the lineup.
Get well, Boogie!
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