DeMarcus Cousins Illness: Updates on Kings Star's Status and Return

Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins has taken tremendous leaps forward on the court this season but has now missed 10 games in a row with viral meningitis. He is expected to start against the Milwaukee Bucks Thursday at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento.

Continue for updates.

Thursday, Dec. 18 

Cousins to Start vs. Bucks 

DeMarcus Cousins will officially be in tonight's starting lineup, confirms the Kings' Twitter account: 

The Kings had previously listed him as probable:

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Cousins Questionable vs. Bucks

Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports reports that DeMarcus Cousins is considered questionable for tomorrow's game against the Milwaukee Bucks:

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Cousins Misses 10th Game in a Row

After Tuesday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, DeMarcus Cousins has now missed the Kings' last 10 games with a viral meningitis. 

Wednesday, Dec. 3

Cousins out Through the Weekend 

The Kings' official website provided the latest update on DeMarcus Cousins as he battles a viral infection:

"

Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins underwent additional evaluation on Tuesday evening as he continues to recover from a viral infection.

Team physicians, led by Dr. Jason Brayley of Kaiser Permanente, admitted DeMarcus to the hospital for treatment and rest. His condition is improving daily and a full recovery is anticipated.

Cousins will not be in uniform this weekend, with a return to competition expected by next week.

"

James Ham of NBA.com offered further insight: 

Cousins took to Twitter to update fans on his status:

Tuesday, Dec. 2

Cousins Missing 3rd Consecutive Game with Illness

NBA.com's James Ham has the latest on Cousins' status:

Sunday, Nov. 30

Cousins out for 2nd Straight Game with Illness

According to the Kings' official Twitter account, Cousins will sit out a second straight game due to a virus:

Cousins was sidelined by the virus for Friday's 112-104 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Ryan Hollins started in Cousins' place, and Sacramento put up a decent fight against the reigning NBA champions.

However, Sunday might be an even more difficult test without Cousins on the floor. Memphis boasts a tremendous, physical frontcourt with the likes of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, and the Kings will have a hard time stopping either of them with their current personnel.