Kings' Raynaud Cleared to Return After Knee Injury

Sacramento, California – The Sacramento Kings received encouraging news on Saturday when rookie center Maxime Raynaud was cleared to return after sustaining a left knee injury during Friday night's 129-102 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

The 22-year-old Raynaud, who exited the game midway through the fourth quarter, collided with teammate Russell Westbrook while setting a screen. Westbrook drove for a layup, but the play left Raynaud writhing in pain on the court, clutching his knee. He was assisted to the locker room by head athletic trainer Joel Noland and did not return. In 25 minutes of play, Raynaud recorded six points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal.

An MRI performed Saturday revealed no structural damage to the knee, according to team sources. Raynaud is expected to be available for the Kings' home game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday at Golden 1 Center. "I'll be fine," Raynaud said after the game. "It was just scary. I think it was just an unpleasing sensation you're not used to."

Kings head coach Doug Christie expressed relief but remained cautious in his postgame comments. "He was smiling after the game, so that's always good," Christie said. "Always fingers...