Keith Smart said on Wednesday that Chuck Hayes won't make his return to the court for the Sacramento Kings against the Denver Nuggets, according to Jon Santiago. During a weekend Kings broadcast, Grant Napear reported that it was a possibility that Hayes could be cleared to play Wednesday or this weekend. Hayes practiced with the team on Tuesday.

He's been out since Smart's first game as head coach, when Hayes suffered a separated shoulder against the Milwaukee Bucks. J.J. Hickson started in Hayes' absence at first, but Jason Thompson has since replaced him in the front five. One would expect Hayes to quickly re-enter the starting five upon his return despite JT's solid play and DeMarcus Cousins' massive output during Hayes' recovery.

The Kings host the Nuggets at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.