Kings' Richaun Holmes returns, will come off bench against Blazers

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Richaun Holmes is back after missing 25 games with a labral tear in his right shoulder.

The Kings' center told NBC Sports California's James Ham that he will play in Saturday night's road game against the Portland Trail Blazers, and coach Luke Walton told the media that Holmes will come off the bench and have a minutes restriction.

Holmes originally injured his shoulder on Jan. 6 against the Warriors. He was initially diagnosed with an injury to his right shoulder joint. Later, the Kings announced that Holmes had actually sustained a tear in his labrum.

The fifth-year NBA player was having the best season of his career when he got hurt. He's averaging a career-high 13.1 points and 8.5 rebounds in 29.4 minutes per game.

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The Kings are happy to welcome Holmes back into the fold as they push for a playoff spot, but he rejoins a crowded frontcourt with the emergence of Harry Giles and the addition of Alex Len, who has played well since coming over in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks.

It will be interesting to see how Walton integrates Holmes back into the rotation and if he puts him back in the starting lineup at some point.

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