Kings' DeMarcus Cousins set to return vs. Bucks

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — DeMarcus Cousins appears ready to return from a serious bout with viral meningitis when the Sacramento Kings host the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night.

The Kings upgraded Cousins' status from questionable to probable. He has been able to participate in portions of practice the past few days and his minutes will likely be limited.

Sacramento has gone 2-8 without their franchise center. The Kings fired coach Michael Malone late Sunday night during the losing skid and promoted lead assistant Tyrone Corbin to interim coach.

Cousins is averaging career highs of 23.5 points, 12.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.

The Kings also said Reggie Evans is out with a bruised left knee and hip and Omri Casspi is out with a bruised left knee. Rudy Gay is probable with right Achilles tendinitis.