Kings vs. Timberwolves: Sabonis Injury Update and 3 Keys to the Game
The Sacramento Kings prepare to host the Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden 1 Center. Center Domantas Sabonis has missed the last two games due to a left ribcage contusion sustained in Monday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Sabonis is listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup, the third game of a five-game homestand.
The Kings (3-6) recently suffered a 125-95 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in an NBA Cup game and have not yet played with a full roster this season. Keegan Murray remains sidelined with a thumb injury, and key players Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, and Nique Clifford have also missed games.
The Timberwolves (5-4) enter the game after a dominant 137-97 win over the Utah Jazz. Anthony Edwards returned recently following a four-game absence due to a hamstring injury.
Three Keys to Sunday’s Game
- Defend Minnesota's Leading Scorers: The Kings need a strategy to contain Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. Randle averages 25.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.1 steals, shooting 55.5% from the field and 42.6% from three-point range.
- Edwards contributes an average of 25.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 51.2% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc.
- Improve Interior Defense: Oklahoma City exposed a vulnerability by outscoring the Kings 60-34 in points in the paint. The Kings rank 27th in the NBA, allowing opponents 54.9 points in the paint on average.
"The Kings rank 27th in the NBA in opponent points in the paint, allowing 54.9."
Author's summary: The Kings face a tough challenge against a strong Timberwolves offense, compounded by injury concerns and defensive weaknesses in the paint.