Ariza out for rest of preseason

Trevor Ariza will miss the Sacramento Kings’ final two preseason games after undergoing a successful procedure to remove a lipoma growth from his back Friday morning. He will be reevaluated in about a week to determine if he is on track to play in the team’s regular season opener on October 23.

The veteran forward scored five points and grabbed five rebounds Thursday night in Sacramento’s 105-88 preseason victory over the Phoenix Suns at the Golden 1 Center.

A lipoma is a lump situated between the skin and muscle layer. It is very common and generally does not require treatment. However, in some cases it can be very painful and requires removal.

Ariza’s absence could likely mean more opportunities for swingman Bogdan Bogdanovic and two-way player Wenyen Gabriel behind starter Harrison Barnes during the team’s final two preseason games.