Kings vs. Blazers: Three Keys as Sacramento Looks to Snap Skid in Rematch
The Sacramento Kings are back at it Saturday night, facing the Portland Trail Blazers for the second time in less than 48 hours. This time, it's on their home floor at Golden 1 Center, and they’ll be looking to bounce back from a gut-wrenching 134-133 overtime loss in Portland - a game that ended with a controversial whistle and some standout performances on both sides.
Let’s break down what to watch for in this rematch, especially with injuries continuing to shape the Kings’ rotation and a few rising names stepping into the spotlight.
1. Kings’ Rotating Cast: Another New Look?
Doug Christie rolled out his 17th different starting lineup of the season on Thursday - and we might see the same group again tonight. With Domantas Sabonis (knee), Zach LaVine (ankle), and Drew Eubanks (thumb) all sidelined, and Doug McDermott still questionable with left knee soreness, Sacramento is once again leaning heavily on depth and adaptability.
Thursday’s starting five featured Russell Westbrook at point, DeMar DeRozan at the two, Keegan Murray at small forward, Precious Achiuwa at the four, and rookie Maxime Raynaud holding things down at center. That lineup gave the Kings a mix of veteran experience and youthful upside, and Christie has hinted at wanting to get Murray more reps at the three - a position the organization sees as his long-term fit.
One wrinkle to keep an eye on: Malik Monk’s role off the bench. The 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year runner-up was a DNP on Thursday, with Christie opting to give Keon Ellis meaningful minutes instead.
It’s not a permanent switch, but Christie made it clear Ellis will be part of the rotation moving forward. Whether Monk returns to action tonight could be a key factor in Sacramento’s offensive rhythm.
2. Maxime Raynaud’s Moment
With Sabonis expected to miss at least another month due to a partially torn meniscus, rookie big man Maxime Raynaud is getting a crash course in NBA starting duties - and so far, he’s making the most of it.
Raynaud has now started five straight games, and his numbers are turning heads: 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 53.4% from the field and 33.3% from deep. On Thursday, he delivered a breakout performance with a career-high 29 points and 11 boards, showing a soft touch around the rim and confidence stepping out beyond the arc.
The Kings are still figuring out how to operate without Sabonis' playmaking and high-post facilitation, but Raynaud’s growth is a silver lining in an otherwise tough stretch. If he can continue to anchor the paint and stretch the floor, it gives Sacramento a new dimension - and a reason to be optimistic about the frontcourt’s future.
3. Containing Avdija and Sharpe
The Kings didn’t just lose Thursday’s game - they got torched by Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe.
Avdija had a career night, dropping 35 points on 12-of-19 shooting, including 5-of-10 from three. He also hit the game-winning free throws with 1.5 seconds left in overtime after drawing a foul on Westbrook - a call that sparked plenty of debate. Regardless of how that play ended, Avdija was a problem all night with his shot-making and poise under pressure.
Sharpe was equally effective, putting up 26 points on 11-of-22 shooting and drilling 4-of-6 from deep. He’s been on a tear from long range recently, hitting 16 of his last 26 threes (.615) over the past four games. If the Kings want to flip the script tonight, slowing down Sharpe’s perimeter game and keeping Avdija from getting comfortable will be top priorities.
Expect Christie to make some defensive adjustments, possibly throwing more length at Sharpe and being more aggressive on closeouts. With Portland chasing a play-in spot and Sacramento desperate to stop the bleeding, this one has the feel of a high-stakes chess match - even in December.
Game Info
- Tip-off: 7 p.m. PT
- Where: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento
- TV: NBC Sports California
- Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
- Odds: Blazers -4.5 | Over/Under: 237.5
Injury Report
Kings
- Questionable: Doug McDermott (knee)
- Out: Domantas Sabonis (knee), Zach LaVine (ankle), Drew Eubanks (thumb), Devin Carter (G League), Daeqwon Plowden (G League), Isaiah Stevens (G League)
Blazers
- Questionable: Jerami Grant (Achilles)
- Out: Javonte Cooke (G League), Scoot Henderson (hamstring), Jrue Holiday (calf), Damian Lillard (Achilles), Matisse Thybulle (thumb), Blake Wesley (foot)
Sacramento enters the night tied for 13th in the Western Conference with a 6-21 record and losers of four straight. The Blazers, meanwhile, are trending up with back-to-back wins and currently sit 10th in the West - clinging to the final play-in spot.
The Kings have their backs against the wall. But with a young center making waves, a rotation still in flux, and a chance to avenge Thursday’s heartbreaker, don’t count them out just yet.