Kings' Artest doesn't make trip to Seattle

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Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest didn't make the trip to Seattle for Friday night's game against the SuperSonics, remaining in Sacramento to rest his strained lower back. Artest had an MRI on the sore back on Friday, but coach Eric Musselman didn't know the results. Musselman wasn't sure of Artest's status for Saturday night's home game against Portland. Artest played 36 minutes against Utah on Wednesday, despite visibly laboring and missing some of the second quarter to receive treatment on his back. "We knew he was hurting, but he's such a competitor and wants to play," Musselman said. "I asked him several times if he wanted to stay in and he did." Veteran John Salmons returned from a right quad injury against Utah and started in Artest's place against the Sonics. Artest was second on the Kings, averaging 18 points. While Artest was out, guard Mike Bibby did start. Bibby left Wednesday game in the third quarter with a right thigh injury after falling to the floor on a defensive switch late in the second quarter. He started the second half, but played only three minutes.