Kings Face Ballhandling Crunch, Trade Shakeup Ahead of Wizards Matchup
The Sacramento Kings are wrapping up a six-game road trip in Washington on Sunday, but they’re doing it with a backcourt in flux and a roster that’s clearly still under construction.
What was once a crowded guard rotation has thinned out dramatically. Starting point guard Russell Westbrook is sidelined with a right foot contusion.
Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis? Gone-shipped off to Cleveland in a three-team deal that brings De’Andre Hunter to Sacramento.
And now Malik Monk, who has stepped in as a lead guard before, is questionable with a right heel contusion.
That leaves the Kings in a tough spot heading into their matchup with the Wizards. If Monk can’t go, the ballhandling duties could fall to rookie Nique Clifford and second-year guard Devin Carter. It’s a big ask for two young players, especially on the tail end of a road trip and with Sacramento still searching for answers.
Let’s dig into the key storylines heading into Sunday’s game.
1. Nique Clifford’s Time to Shine
One of the ripple effects of the Hunter trade is that it clears the runway for Nique Clifford to get more meaningful minutes. While Clifford is naturally a shooting guard, he’s shown flashes of versatility as a ballhandler and secondary playmaker-skills that could be tested in a big way if Monk is ruled out.
Clifford’s recent performances have been a mixed bag. He put up 15 points against both the Pistons and Celtics, showing confidence and an ability to score at all three levels.
But then came a rough night in Philly, where he shot just 1-of-7 and finished with only two points. That inconsistency is part of the rookie learning curve, but with Sacramento’s depth chart looking thin, Clifford’s development may accelerate whether he’s ready or not.
The Kings clearly believe in his potential. The Hunter deal wasn’t just about adding a veteran wing-it was about giving Clifford room to grow. Sunday could be a big step in that direction.
2. Front Office Still Working the Phones
The trade deadline is fast approaching, and Kings GM Scott Perry isn’t done yet. Sacramento has already made one move, but more could be on the horizon.
Veterans like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis have all been floated in trade discussions. While no deal is imminent, the Kings are clearly open for business. LaVine had previously been linked to Milwaukee, though those talks have cooled with the Bucks now reportedly exploring their options with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Kings sit at 12-38, the worst record in the league, and they’ve dropped eight straight. This is a team looking to reset, retool, and possibly rebuild. The next few days could be pivotal in shaping what that future looks like.
3. De’Andre Hunter’s Arrival, But Not Just Yet
The Kings officially announced the trade for De’Andre Hunter on Sunday morning, but fans will have to wait a few more days to see him in action. Hunter isn’t expected to make his debut until Wednesday, when Sacramento returns home to face the Memphis Grizzlies.
Hunter brings size, defense, and a steady veteran presence to a team that desperately needs all three. He’s the kind of two-way wing who can slot into multiple lineups and help stabilize a rotation that’s been anything but stable this season.
And while Hunter won’t suit up in D.C., the Kings won’t have to wait long to see the players they just traded. Schroder and Ellis will be back in town on Saturday when the Cavaliers visit Golden 1 Center.
4. Wizards Dealing with Injuries of Their Own
It’s not just Sacramento managing injuries. The Wizards have listed second-year center Alex Sarr as questionable with right calf soreness.
Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has been a bright spot in an otherwise tough season for Washington. He’s averaging 17.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.1 blocks-numbers that show why the Wizards are so high on his long-term upside.
Washington comes in at 12-35, just slightly ahead of the Kings in the standings. They had a brief spark with back-to-back wins over Portland and Milwaukee, but that momentum was halted by a 142-111 blowout loss to the Lakers on Friday.
If Sarr can’t go, that’s a big blow to the Wizards’ interior presence-and potentially an opening for Sacramento to exploit.
Game Info
- Matchup: Sacramento Kings (12-38) at Washington Wizards (12-35)
- Tip-off: 3 p.m.
ET
- Location: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
- TV: NBC Sports California
- Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
- Odds: Kings -2.5
- Over/Under: 228.5
Injury Report
Kings:
- Out: Keegan Murray (ankle), Russell Westbrook (foot)
- Questionable: Malik Monk (heel)
Wizards:
- Out: Tre Johnson (ankle), Tristan Vukcevic (hamstring), Cam Whitmore (shoulder), Trae Young (knee/quad)
- Questionable: Alex Sarr (calf)
Sunday’s game won’t just be about snapping a losing streak or ending a brutal road trip. It’s a measuring stick for where the Kings are right now-and maybe a preview of where they’re headed. With the trade deadline looming and a roster in transition, Sacramento’s next moves could define the rest of their season.