Sacramento Kings coach Doug Christie is navigating a challenging roster situation as his team heads into Saturday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. With only nine players available in their recent loss to the Charlotte Hornets, the Kings might be even more shorthanded this weekend.
Russell Westbrook is set to make his return after missing the last game due to a sore quad, providing a much-needed boost. However, the Kings will be without Drew Eubanks, sidelined by left thumb soreness, and Patrick Baldwin Jr., who has been assigned to the G League Stockton Kings.
Despite DeMar DeRozan’s impressive season-high 39 points, the Kings fell short against the Hornets, losing 117-109. This defeat leaves Sacramento with the worst record in the Western Conference and the second-worst in the NBA, just one game ahead of the Indiana Pacers.
On the other side, the Clippers are riding high, sitting eighth in the West. They’ve won four straight games and seven of their last eight, but they remain 6 ½ games away from securing the final automatic playoff spot in the conference.
The Clippers will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back after a 119-108 victory over the Chicago Bulls. As of now, their injury report for Saturday’s game is pending, but notable absences from Friday included Darius Garland, John Collins, Bradley Beal, and Yanic Konan Niederhauser.
For the Kings, Malik Monk’s status is questionable as he manages right ankle soreness. The team will also be without several key players: Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray, De’Andre Hunter, Devin Carter, Eubanks, and Baldwin.
Game Details:
- Matchup: Kings at Clippers
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Intuit Dome
- Broadcast: NBC Sports California
- Betting Line: Clippers favored by 13.5
- Over/Under: 229.5
Injury Report:
- Clippers: Pending
- Kings:
- Questionable: Malik Monk (ankle)
- Out: Patrick Baldwin Jr.
(G League), Devin Carter (calf), Drew Eubanks (thumb), Zach LaVine (finger), Keegan Murray (ankle), Domantas Sabonis (knee), Isaiah Stevens (G League)
The Kings face a tough task against a surging Clippers team, but with Westbrook back in the lineup, they’ll be looking to pull off an upset and gain some momentum.