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Kings considering shutting down Cousins for remainder of season

Derick E. Hingle / USA TODAY Sports

As they play out the string of yet another lottery season, the Sacramento Kings are considering shutting down banged-up All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins. 

Cousins, who sat out the Kings' loss to the Memphis Grizzles on Monday, is dealing with a litany of wear-and-tear injuries, including a calf strain and sore foot. Kings coach George Karl said he's spoken with Cousins about how to approach the final weeks of the season, according to ESPN's Michael Wallace.

"We talked when he commented after one game that his body was beat up," Karl said Monday. "I said, 'Instead of thinking about shutting it down, let's try to find some days that you can get your body rested.' We might schedule a piece of our games and (rest him) again."

Karl added another plan under consideration is to sit Cousins for the team's five remaining road games but play him in their four home games.

"I think Cousins likes to play and I think he's doing it because he wants to play at a higher efficiency," Karl said. "It gives me an opportunity to experiment a little bit. At home, I'd like to go in and (let Cousins play) every game. But on the road, I might experiment a little bit more."

Despite being hobbled, Cousins has had arguably his best individual month of the season in March, averaging 25.3 points and 12.9 rebounds in 13 games. Despite the Kings' 26-47 record, they've outscored opponents by nearly a point per 100 possessions when Cousins is on the floor.

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