The Kings kick off a six-game road trip with a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the Kings received unwelcome news as backup center Alex Len will be sidelined for six to eight weeks or more due to a moderate high right ankle sprain. Both Len and forward Trey Lyles, who is recovering from a left calf strain, will be unavailable for the Lakers game.
The Lakers, holding a 6-5 record, will face the Kings on the second night of a back-to-back following a victory against the Memphis Grizzlies. Although the Lakers’ injury report for Wednesday is pending, it is likely that Jalen Hood-Schifino (patella), Jarred Vanderbilt (heel), and Gabe Vincent (knee) will be absent, although they are close to making a return.
Anthony Davis (hip), listed as probable against the Grizzlies, contributed 19 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. LeBron James (calf) was initially questionable but was cleared to play, finishing with 16 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
Assessing Sacramento
With three consecutive wins against the Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Cleveland Cavaliers, the Kings are currently on a winning streak. The comeback of De’Aaron Fox in their recent 132-120 victory over the Cavaliers signaled the revival of Sacramento’s potent offense.
Before Fox suffered a right ankle sprain on October 29 during an overtime win against the Lakers, the Kings led the NBA in scoring with an average of 125.3 points per game. However, in the five games he missed, their ranking plummeted to 30th, with an average of just 102.6 points per game.
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In the ongoing season, Fox is maintaining an impressive stat line, averaging 30.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.3 steals, with shooting percentages of 50% from the field and 36.7% from 3-point range. Another notable performer, Domantas Sabonis, who is an All-Star and All-NBA Third Team selection, is contributing with 18.0 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 7.3 assists.
Despite their recent success, the Kings have encountered challenges on the road, holding a 1-3 record away from home this season. As they embark on an extensive trip, facing teams like the Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans (2), and Minnesota Timberwolves, it becomes imperative to reverse this road performance trend.
Evaluating Los Angeles
The Lakers have secured three consecutive victories by defeating the Phoenix Suns, Blazers, and Grizzlies. Regarding scoring, they currently hold the 15th spot in the NBA, averaging 113.1 points per game.
Noteworthy achievements include being fifth in free-throw attempts (26.5) and sixth in field-goal percentage (.485). However, their defensive performance is ranked 19th, allowing an average of 115.1 points per game, and they stand 23rd in 3-point shooting efficiency (.340).
LeBron James, a four-time MVP, 19-time All-Star, and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, maintains averages of 25.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.3 steals. Anthony Davis contributes with averages of 23.9 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.0 blocks. D’Angelo Russell scores 17.3 points per game, but his shooting percentages are 44.8% from the field and 28.6% from beyond the arc.
Kings taking on the Lakers
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Crypto.com Arena
Television: ESPN, NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 Betting
Odds: Lakers -1.5
Total Points Prediction: 232.5
Injury Status:
Kings:
- Absent: Jordan Ford (G League), Colby Jones (G League), Alex Len (ankle), Trey Lyles (calf), Jalen Slawson (G League).
Lakers:
- Injury details are pending.
Coming Schedule:
- November 15: Against the Los Angeles Lakers
- November 17: Facing the San Antonio Spurs
- November 19: Matchup with the Dallas Mavericks
- November 20: Game against the New Orleans Pelicans
- November 22: Another encounter with the New Orleans Pelicans
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