Kings vs. Mavericks Preview: Keegan Murray Sidelined, Cooper Flagg Debuts in Sacramento, and Anthony Davis’ Status Looms Large
The Sacramento Kings will close out their four-game homestand Saturday afternoon against the Dallas Mavericks, but they’ll be doing it without Keegan Murray - and that’s a big blow for a team already fighting an uphill battle.
An MRI confirmed that Murray suffered a mild strain in his right calf during Tuesday’s loss to the Pistons. He’s expected to miss at least four to five games and will be reevaluated in a week. It’s another setback for a Kings squad already dealing with a crowded injury report and struggling to find consistency on the floor.
Shorthanded and Searching for Answers
The Kings enter Saturday’s matchup at 7-23, holding the worst record in the Western Conference and third-worst in the league overall. They’ve dropped six of their last seven and 10 of their last 12, and now they’ll have to navigate the next stretch without one of their most versatile young wings.
Head coach Doug Christie has had to get creative with his rotations, and Murray’s absence only adds to the juggling act. Zach LaVine (ankle) and Domantas Sabonis (knee) remain out as well, forcing Christie to lean heavily on a mix of veterans and unproven talent.
Recently, Christie has rolled out a starting five featuring Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan in the backcourt, with Murray at the three, Precious Achiuwa at the four, and rookie Maxime Raynaud holding down the middle. With Murray now sidelined, keep an eye on rookie Nique Clifford. The first-round pick could be in line for a starting nod as the Kings continue to prioritize development while managing injuries.
Anthony Davis’ Status Could Swing the Game
On the other side, the Mavericks are dealing with their own injury concerns - and none bigger than Anthony Davis. The All-Star big man is officially listed as questionable with right adductor soreness after experiencing groin spasms during Dallas’ Christmas Day loss to the Warriors.
Davis has been a difference-maker when healthy. The Mavericks are 8-8 with him in the lineup and just 4-12 without him.
That’s not a coincidence. He’s averaging 20.5 points, 10.9 boards, nearly 3 assists, plus over a block and a steal per game.
When he’s on the floor, Dallas is a different team - more balanced, more physical, and far more dangerous.
If Davis sits, the Mavericks will have to lean more on their young core and depth pieces, which have been inconsistent during their recent slide. They’ve lost three of their last four, including a 126-116 setback to Golden State on Thursday.
Cooper Flagg’s Sacramento Debut
Saturday also marks the first time Sacramento fans will get a live look at Cooper Flagg - and that alone makes this game worth tuning in for.
The 6-foot-9 forward out of Duke has been everything the Mavericks hoped for when they selected him No. 1 overall in June. He’s currently leading the Rookie of the Year race, and for good reason. Flagg is putting up 19.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game - and doing it with a poise that belies his age.
His combination of length, skill, and basketball IQ has made him a matchup nightmare for most teams, and with the Kings missing several key defenders, Flagg could be in for a big afternoon.
What to Watch
- Lineup Adjustments: With Murray out, how does Doug Christie shuffle the rotation? Does Clifford get the nod, or do the Kings lean on more veteran experience in the short term?
- Davis’ Availability: If Davis plays, the Mavericks have a clear edge in the frontcourt. If not, this game becomes far more even - especially with Dallas already missing Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and Dante Exum.
- Flagg vs. the Kings’ Frontcourt: With Sabonis and Eubanks both out, Sacramento is thin in the paint. Flagg could feast, especially if he gets going early.
Game Info
- When: Saturday, 2 p.m. PT
- Where: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento
- TV: NBC Sports California, NBA TV
- Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
- Odds: Mavericks -2.5
- Over/Under: 228.5
Injury Report
Mavericks
- Questionable: Anthony Davis (adductor), Moussa Cisse (G League)
- Doubtful: Miles Kelly (G League), Brandon Williams (calf)
- Out: Kyrie Irving (knee), Dereck Lively II (foot), Dante Exum (knee)
Kings
- Questionable: Devin Carter (ankle)
- Out: Keegan Murray (calf), Zach LaVine (ankle), Domantas Sabonis (knee), Drew Eubanks (thumb), Daeqwon Plowden (G League), Isaiah Stevens (G League)
With two injury-riddled rosters, a rising rookie star, and a Kings team desperate to stop the bleeding, Saturday’s matinee has all the ingredients for a compelling, if unpredictable, showdown in Sacramento.