The Sacramento Kings will face a significant challenge on Saturday at Ball Arena as they visit the Denver Nuggets without Domantas Sabonis, who is sidelined with a partial meniscus tear in his left knee. Three two-way players—Dylan Cardwell, Daeqwon Plowden, and Isaiah Stevens—are also out.
Sacramento enters the game on an eight-game most recently losing streak, falling 137-96 to the Grizzlies on November 20 and 113-99 to the Thunder on November 19.
Zach LaVine is leading the team with 21.9 points per game, while DeMar DeRozan averages 17.9 points, and Russell Westbrook contributes 13.7 points and 6.9 rebounds.
The absence of Sabonis removes the Kings’ top rebounder and primary playmaker, which could limit their offensive options and defensive presence inside. Sacramento ranks 3-13 this season and has struggled to keep pace with playoff-caliber opponents.
Denver, in contrast, brings a 12-3 record and a two-game winning streak into the matchup. Nikola Jokic is averaging 29.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 11.0 assists per game, while Jamal Murray adds 22.8 points and 6.5 assists, forming a potent inside-outside attack.
The Nuggets have already beaten the Kings twice this season, 130-124 on November 3 and 122-108 on November 11.
Saturday’s tip-off is set for 10:00 PM ET.
