The Sacramento Kings (6-20) visit the Portland Trail Blazers (10-16) on Thursday, December 18, at 10:00 p.m. ET at Moda Center. Sacramento enters on a three-game losing streak, while Portland looks to extend a one-game winning run.
The Kings will be without Zach LaVine (left ankle sprain), Domantas Sabonis (left knee partial meniscus tear), Drew Eubanks (left thumb fracture), and multiple G League assignments, including Devin Carter and Daeqwon Plowden. Dennis Schroder is questionable with a right ankle sprain.
DeMar DeRozan leads Sacramento with 17.7 points and 3.4 assists per game. Keegan Murray and Russell Westbrook add 14.9 and 13.8 points per game, respectively, while Malik Monk contributes 13.0 points and 2.5 assists. Sacramento struggles defensively, allowing 122.4 points per game.
Portland’s injury situation is also severe, with Damian Lillard sidelined for left Achilles management, Scoot Henderson (left hamstring), Jrue Holiday (right calf), Matisse Thybulle (left thumb), Blake Wesley (right foot), and Javonte Cooke all unavailable.
Deni Avdija leads the Trail Blazers with 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. Shaedon Sharpe and Jerami Grant provide 21.7 and 20.0 points per contest, while Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan contribute scoring and rebounding to fill gaps caused by absences. Portland allows 121.9 points per game despite offensive firepower.
This season marks the first meeting between the two teams.
