Blazers F LaMarcus Aldridge (Knee) Out Sunday Vs. Kings

Portland Trail Blazers All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge will not play against the Sacramento Kings at the "Moda Center" on Sunday because of a sore left knee.

Erik Gundersen of The Columbian reports...

Terry Stotts told the media after Saturday's practice that LaMarcus Aldridge will not play on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings at the Moda Center. He said that everybody else was "feeling better," with the exception of Allen Crabbe who is still "feeling the effects," of an illness.

Aldridge underwent an MRI on Friday after sitting out practice on Thursday, and the results came back negative. He did not play on Friday during Portland's preseason win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Joel Freeland started in place of Aldridge against the Clippers, tallying 0 points and 6 rebounds in 23 minutes. Thomas Robinson had 7 points and 13 points off the bench.

Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com reported on Twitter that Aldridge went to the locker room early during Wednesday's preseason game against the Utah Jazz to get treatment...

LaMarcus Aldridge was pulled from the game. He's heading to the locker room. Not sure what happened.

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LaMarcus Aldridge returns to the bench with both knees wrapped. He's done for tonight.

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LaMarcus Aldridge is OK. Says he went in early to get his knees iced, knowing he wouldn't return to game.

Joe Freeman of The Oregonian reported on Twitter Thursday that Aldridge might sit until opening night...

I'd be surprised if LaMarcus Aldridge plays again during the exhibition season. He's obviously ready for opening night.

Aldridge missed a portion of training camp earlier this month with a quad injury.

Aldridge, 28, appeared in 74 games last season, averaging 21.1 points and 9.1 rebounds. He ranked No. 9 in the NBA with 37.7 minutes played per game in 2012-13.

Portland has two preseason games remaining: Sunday at home against the Kings, and next Thursday on the road against the Golden State Warriors.

Portland opens its regular season against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 30.

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter