The Sacramento Kings are set to face the Denver Nuggets in an NBA Cup consolation game on Thursday. The matchup will take place at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. This game is particularly important as both teams contend with key player absences due to injuries.
Injury Updates Before the Game
Significant injuries have impacted both teams. For the Kings, Zach LaVine will not play due to right thumb soreness. Domantas Sabonis, a crucial starter, remains sidelined with a partial meniscus tear in his left knee. Dennis Schroder is also doubtful as he deals with a right hip flexor strain.
The Nuggets are missing several key players as well. Aaron Gordon is out for his ninth consecutive game due to a right hamstring strain, while Christian Braun will miss his 13th straight game because of a left ankle sprain.
Current Team Standings
- Kings Record: 618
- Nuggets Record: 176
- The Kings are currently in 13th place in the Western Conference, tied for the thirdworst record in the NBA.
- They are coming off a 116105 loss against the Indiana Pacers, having lost five of their last six games.
- The Nuggets have won three consecutive games on the road, achieving victories over the Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, and Charlotte Hornets.
Game Strategy Considerations
With LaVine’s absence, Kings coach Doug Christie faces a crucial decision regarding the starting lineup. Possible replacements for LaVine include Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, or rookie Nique Clifford. Christie might also opt for a larger lineup, utilizing DeMar DeRozan as shooting guard alongside Keegan Murray and Precious Achiuwa.
Key Players to Watch
Nikola Jokic poses a significant challenge for the Kings. He has excelled against them this season, averaging 37.7 points in their matchups. In a prior game, Jokic scored 44 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, demonstrating his impact on the court.
This season, Jokic’s statistics include:
- Points: 29.2
- Rebounds: 12.3
- Assists: 11.0
- Shooting Percentage: 61.2% from the field, 41.4% from threepoint range
Max Raynaud’s Rising Performance
With Sabonis out, rookie Maxime Raynaud has stepped up. In the last five games, he has averaged 15.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 blocks while shooting 59.6% overall and 42.9% from beyond the arc. His performance will be vital for the Kings in this matchup.
Game Details
Date and Time: Thursday at 7 p.m.
Location: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento
Broadcast: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Current Odds: Nuggets favored by 9.5 points
Over/Under: 238.5 points
Final Thoughts
The Kings must navigate through injuries and strategize effectively against the highperforming Nuggets. Catch the action as both teams seek to secure a vital win.