Kings vs. Thunder: Sabonis, Dort Injury Updates and Keys to NBA Cup Game
The Sacramento Kings will host the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. This NBA Cup matchup marks their second meeting in 11 days, following a 107-101 loss for the Kings in Oklahoma City on October 28.
Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points in that previous matchup, while Zach LaVine led the Kings with 23. The Kings (3-5) come into the game as clear underdogs.
Injury Updates
- Domantas Sabonis is listed as questionable with a left ribcage contusion.
- Keegan Murray remains out after surgery on his left thumb.
- Zach LaVine, who missed Wednesday’s 121-116 win over Golden State with back soreness, is not on the current injury report.
- For the Thunder (8-1), Luguentz Dort is questionable with a right upper trap strain.
- Thomas Sorber (ACL), Nikola Topic (testicular cancer), Aaron Wiggins (adductor strain), Jalen Williams (wrist surgery), and Kenrich Williams (knee surgery) are ruled out.
Three Keys to the Game
- Offensive Consistency: The Kings must find scoring rhythm early to keep pace with Oklahoma City’s high-powered offense led by Gilgeous-Alexander.
- Health and Depth: Having Sabonis and LaVine healthy will be critical to competing on both ends of the floor.
- Defense and Rebounding: Containing Gilgeous-Alexander and limiting the Thunder’s second-chance points could shift the momentum.
“The Kings didn’t need LaVine and Sabonis to beat the Warriors, but they’ll need their leading scorer fully ready against Oklahoma City.”
LaVine is averaging 27.4 points per game, tied with his career high from the 2020–21 season, and is shooting a career-best 51.6% from the field.
Author’s Summary
The Kings face an uphill battle against the Thunder, relying on LaVine’s elite scoring and Sabonis’s health to challenge the defending champions in the NBA Cup showdown.