Kings' Gay will play Saturday vs. Grizzlies after missing time with eye injury

Following the Sacramento Kings' recent five-game winning streak, the team lost its momentum due to an ensuing three-game slide.

Two of the three losses came without the services of the team's second most potent offensive weapon.

On Friday, however, Rudy Gay told the Sacramento Bee's Jason Jones that he will play in Saturday's contest against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The 29-year-old small forward sustained a corneal abrasion after Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker poked him in the eye on Monday.

The UConn alumnus - who practised wearing goggles on Friday - may don his protective eyewear against his former team.

The 20-26 Kings have hovered around the eighth seed in the Western Conference for most of January - they currently sit half a game behind the Portland Trail Blazers for the final playoff spot.

Gay, and his 18 points, 6.9 rebounds and, 1.2 steals per game, will provide a much-needed boost as the Kings take on the 27-20 Grizzlies.