Kings vs. Thunder: Injury Updates and Game Preview
The Sacramento Kings are set to play the Oklahoma City Thunder in an NBA Cup game at Golden 1 Center. The Kings enter the matchup as underdogs against the defending NBA champions.
Recent Matchup Recap
The teams met 11 days ago in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder won 107-101. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, while Zach LaVine was the top scorer for the Kings with 23 points.
Injury Reports
- Sacramento Kings:
- Domantas Sabonis is questionable with a left ribcage contusion.
- Keegan Murray remains out after left thumb surgery.
- Zach LaVine, who missed the previous game due to lower back soreness, is not on the injury report for Friday.
- Oklahoma City Thunder:
- Luguentz Dort is questionable with a right upper trap strain.
- Out players include Thomas Sorber (ACL surgery), Nikola Topic (testicular cancer), Aaron Wiggins (left adductor strain), Jalen Williams (right wrist surgery), and Kenrich Williams (left knee surgery).
Three Keys to the Game
- The Kings managed a win over the Warriors without LaVine and Sabonis, but will need their leading scorer against the Thunder.
- LaVine averages 27.4 points per game, matching his career best from the 2020-21 season.
- He is shooting a career-high 51.6% from the field this season.
“LaVine is averaging 27.4 points per game, matching his career high from 2020-21. He is shooting a career-high 51.6% from the field.”
The Kings currently have a 3-5 record, while the Thunder boast an 8-1 record this season.
Summary: The Kings must rely on key players LaVine and Sabonis to challenge the Thunder’s strong roster in an intense NBA Cup game at home.