Kings' Marvin Bagley ready to return to action after eight-game absence

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SACRAMENTO -- When the practice facility doors opened Monday morning, there was good news for the Kings on almost every court.

On the far court to the right, Cory Joseph hoisted 3-pointers from the corner. The veteran guard is listed as questionable due to illness, although he’s feeling much better.

Joseph has one of the longest current streaks for consecutive games played in the league at 233 games and the veteran guard confirmed to NBC Sports California that he intends to extend that total Monday evening when the Kings host the Orlando Magic.

On the far court to the left, Nemanja Bjelica got some shooting work with the development staff. Like Joseph, he is expected to play against the Magic despite a sprained right ankle.

The court closest to the door was crowded. De’Aaron Fox worked on his jumper with development coach Rico Hines and assistant Bobby Jackson hit Marvin Bagley III with passes. Fox is one of the few fully healthy bodies on the Kings' roster at this point, but Bagley came into the day as questionable after missing the previous eight games with a left mid-foot sprain.

Following his workout, Bagley, who has made it through a few practices and participated in shoot-around, confirmed that he is available for coach Luke Walton Monday against the Magic.

“Yeah, I’m going to give it a go tonight,” Bagley said. “I’m feeling pretty good. I’ve been going through practices and workouts and I’m just getting back into it. I’m going to suit up tonight and get back out there.”

Bagley had yet to sit down with the coaching and medical staff to discuss his role or any limitations he might have in his return.

“I don’t know nothing yet,” Bagley said. “I’m just going to show up, be ready and whenever I get in the game, whenever I get my number called, I’m going to do what I do.”

This is a different situation for Bagley than the injury that cost him 22 games earlier in the season. With a broken thumb, you can keep up with cardio and stay as close to game shape as possible. With a foot injury, Bagley will need time to adjust to the speed of the game and build his wind back up.

Walton confirmed that Bagley would be on a minutes restriction Monday, although he wouldn’t give specifics.

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Harry Giles will make his third straight start at center. He’ll have the tall task of slowing All-Star big man Nikola Vucevic, who comes into the night averaging 18.5 points, 11.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game for the Magic.

Bogdan Bogdanovic (right foot soreness) and Richaun Holmes (right shoulder injury) are out of action for the Kings.

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