Kings vs. Celtics Preview: Sacramento’s Slide Continues Amid Key Injuries
The Sacramento Kings are limping into Boston, both literally and figuratively. On the heels of a tough one-possession loss in Philadelphia - their seventh straight defeat - the Kings head to TD Garden shorthanded once again.
But they’re not the only ones dealing with injury woes. The Celtics, too, will be without some key pieces when these two teams square off Friday night.
Let’s dive into what you need to know ahead of this East vs. West clash, including the latest on injuries, rotation questions, and what’s at stake for a Kings team that’s now staring down the NBA’s basement.
Injury Report: Sabonis, Westbrook Out Again; Jaylen Brown Sidelined
Sacramento will be without two of their most important veterans: Domantas Sabonis is out due to left knee injury management, and Russell Westbrook will miss his second straight game with right foot soreness. Sabonis has been the engine of this Kings offense all season, so his absence - especially against a Celtics team that can dominate the paint - is a major blow.
Boston, meanwhile, won’t have Jaylen Brown, who’s dealing with both left hamstring tightness and a right knee contusion. That’s a significant loss for the Celtics on both ends of the floor, especially with Jayson Tatum also listed as out due to Achilles soreness.
The good news for Boston? Neemias Queta, who’s been battling an illness, is expected to be available.
Storylines to Watch
1. The Lottery Picture Is Getting Clearer for Sacramento
At 12-37, the Kings are now tied with the New Orleans Pelicans for the worst record in the NBA. That puts them firmly in the mix for a top lottery pick - and with it, a shot at a franchise-altering talent. The bottom three teams in the league each have a 14% chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick and a 52.1% chance of securing a top-four selection.
Sacramento hasn’t held the top pick since 1989, when they selected Pervis Ellison. More recently, they took Marvin Bagley III at No. 2 in 2018 - a pick that’s aged poorly considering the All-Star talent that went after him. With the Kings heading to Washington on Sunday to wrap up a six-game road trip, this stretch could go a long way in determining where they finish in the standings - and how many ping-pong balls they’ll have come lottery night.
2. Will Zach LaVine Return to the Starting Five?
Zach LaVine came off the bench Thursday night in Philly after missing two games with lower back soreness - a curious move by interim head coach Doug Christie. While Christie has brought players back slowly after longer absences this season, LaVine’s bench role after a short layoff raised some eyebrows.
Was it a conditioning call? A matchup decision?
Or something else entirely? We don’t know yet.
But all eyes will be on whether LaVine reclaims his starting spot against Boston, especially with the Kings in desperate need of offensive firepower without Sabonis.
3. Malik Monk’s Return Could Be a Spark
One bright spot for Sacramento: Malik Monk is expected to be available after missing the last two games with right ankle soreness. And his return couldn’t come at a better time. Monk has been on a heater lately, averaging 17.3 points over his last five games while shooting a blistering 57.6% from the field and 55.6% from deep.
With Sabonis out and the Kings struggling to generate consistent offense, Monk’s scoring punch - especially off the bench - could be a game-changer. If he’s back to full speed, he’ll give Sacramento a much-needed boost against a Celtics team that, even without Brown and Tatum, still has plenty of depth.
Game Info
- When: Friday, 4:30 p.m. PT
- Where: TD Garden, Boston
- TV: NBC Sports California
- Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
- Odds: Celtics -12.5
- Over/Under: 217.5
Injury Report
Kings:
- OUT: Keegan Murray (ankle), Domantas Sabonis (knee), Russell Westbrook (foot)
Celtics:
- OUT: Jaylen Brown (hamstring/knee), Jayson Tatum (Achilles), Ron Harper Jr.
(G League), Max Shulga (G League), Amari Williams (G League)
- AVAILABLE: Neemias Queta (illness)
Final Word
This is a tough spot for the Kings - second night of a back-to-back, on the road, and missing key starters. But the Celtics are banged up too, and with players like Monk returning and LaVine possibly stepping into a bigger role, Sacramento has a chance to show some resilience. They may be deep in the lottery race, but this is still a team with pride - and something to prove.