In-state rivals clash in the capital city Monday night, as the Sacramento Kings host the Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center.
The Lakers (23–13, 5th West) have struggled lately, winning just four of their last ten games and coming off consecutive losses to the Spurs and Bucks. Meanwhile, the Kings (9–30, 14th West) are playing the second night of a back-to-back, coming off a win against the Rockets that snapped a seven-game losing streak — a skid that began with a 24-point loss to the Lakers in Los Angeles.
The Lakers have taken the first two meetings of the four-game regular-season series, including a 127–120 victory in Sacramento on Oct. 26.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Los Angeles Lakers
- Out: Austin Reaves (Calf), Adou Thiero (MCL)
Sacramento Kings
- Out: Keegan Murray (Ankle), Domantas Sabonis (Knee), Dennis Schroder (Suspension)
Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. ET. LA enters as a 9.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Sacramento sits as a +300 underdog. The game’s total is set at 230.5 points.
Lakers vs. Kings Preview
Los Angeles Lakers Preview
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Lakers have floundered after their strong start to the season. LA’s glitzy record proved superficial, as serious cracks beneath the surface — particularly on the defensive end — began to show. The Lakers own the NBA’s 24th-ranked defensive rating this season, a flaw that has dragged them toward the bottom third of the league in net rating.
Still, the Lakers boast a star-studded roster that can put up points in a hurry. Superstar guard Luka Doncic averages an NBA-leading 33.3 points to go along with 8.8 assists and eight rebounds per game. Meanwhile, LeBron James continues to defy Father Time — averaging roughly 28 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds following his 41st birthday on Dec. 30.
Sacramento Kings Preview
Sacramento appears headed for a changing of the guard, with a full-blown fire sale widely expected at February’s trade deadline. The Kings are one of only three teams without double-digit wins, sitting 28th in defensive rating and dead last in both offensive and net rating.
With Domantas Sabonis sidelined, the Kings have leaned on an aging trio of former All-Star guards — Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Russell Westbrook — to no avail. Sacramento’s lone bright spot this season has been burgeoning forward Keegan Murray, but he’s currently sidelined with an ankle sprain.
Lakers vs. Kings Pick, Best Bet
While the Lakers have struggled recently, they’re well-positioned to bounce back in a tune-up match with their lowly, short-rested division rival. Expect Luka and LeBron to carve up Sacramento’s nonexistent defense and catalyze a spread-covering victory on Monday night.
