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Cousins sitting out Global Games exhibition Wednesday with Achilles soreness

Danny La / USA Today Sports

The NBA probably isn't thrilled with the turnout of star players for their Global Games exhibition in Beijing on Wednesday morning.

Not only is Kevin Garnett of the Brooklyn Nets taking a rest, but the Sacramento Kings opted to sit down star center DeMarcus Cousins. The team cited bilateral Achilles soreness as the reason, indicating that Cousins is dealing with some general overuse wear and tear in both Achilles tendons.

This probably isn't a major concern for the Kings, as Cousins hasn't had issues with his feet in the past. With Wednesday marking the Kings' only game in a six-day stretch, this seems as good an opportunity to rest him up as any, save for disappointing fans in China.

Cousins appeared in 71 games last season and has missed just 21 over his four-year NBA career. He's looked more than ready through three preseason games, averaging 13.7 points on 63.6 percent shooting in just 17.7 minutes an outing. After a summer with USA Basketball and with three more exhibitions on the slate, Cousins will have no trouble being in game shape for the team's Oct. 29 opener.

Jason Thompson slid to center in Cousins's stead, with Carl Landry drawing in at the four.

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