The Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans kickstart their first of four meetings on Thursday this season. Sacramento looks to extend a modest two-game winning run when they battle the Pelicans on the road. The Kings could take advantage of New Orleans’ injury-hampered roster.
Injury woes continue to cause problems for the Pelicans this season. Herb Jones and Dejounte Murray have returned from injury layoffs, but the team will miss multiple key players. The hosts hope to pull an upset in front of their fans.
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Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans: Injury Report
Sacramento Kings injury report
Devin Carter (shoulder surgery) and Trey Lyles (right calf strain) are out for Thursday’s game.
New Orleans Pelicans injury report
Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram lead the cast of injured Pelicans players. Williamson hasn't played for weeks because of a left hamstring strain, while Ingram has sidelined with an ankle injury.
Jose Alvarado (hamstring), Jordan Hawkins (spine) and Karlo Matkovic (back) are on the inactive list, while Javonte Green is questionable due to left ankle soreness.
Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans: Predicted starting lineups and depth chart
Sacramento Kings predicted starting lineup and depth chart
New Orleans Pelicans predicted starting lineup and depth chart
Sacramento Kings vs New Orleans Pelicans: Key matchups
De’Aaron Fox vs. Dejounte Murray
De’Aaron Fox and Dejounte Murray have had exciting battles in the past, particularly when Murray was with the San Antonio Spurs, as they renew their head-to-head duel.
Murray has been stout on defense for the Pelicans but will be challenged by Sacramento’s cat-quick point guard. New Orleans has a good chance of pulling an upset if Murray can slow down Swipa.
On the other end, Murray must make his counterpart work. The Pelicans playmaker could take advantage of his length by attacking the rim against Fox.
Domantas Sabonis vs Yves Missi or Daniel Theis
Damontas Sabonis has often been a big thorn in the flesh of the Pelicans even when they had Jonas Valanciunas. With the hulking center playing in Washington, Willie Green will likely ask the veteran Daniel Theis or rookie Yves Missi to guard Sabonis.
Sabonis usually acts as the fulcrum of the Kings' offense even if Fox plays point guard. Limiting the Lithuanian could be key to stopping the flow of Sacramento’s offense. Theis and Missi must be ready to jostle under the boards against the bruising Domas.
DeMar DeRozan vs. Herb Jones
The Pelicans finally have a healthy Herb Jones to shore up the defense. Against the Kings, Jones will also have his fair time guarding De’Aaron Fox but will likely start the game shadowing DeMar DeRozan.
Deebo is averaging 22.5 points per game, the second-best in his team. Jones could help his team by putting the clamps on the veteran scorer.
Sacramento Kings Nation! You can check out the latest Sacramento Kings Schedule and dive into the Kings Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.
