After two years of great health, the injury bug has finally caught up to the Sacramento Kings. Against the Atlanta Hawks, the team was forced to play without three of their five best players, which surely played a role in their one-point loss.
Will their luck change in their Friday NBA Cup clash against the Los Angeles Clippers? What about the Clippers' health? How is that looking? Here is the full injury report heading into this game.
Sacramento Kings Injury Report
If you didn't know, the three players we were alluding to earlier were Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Malik Monk.
Unfortunately, Monk is still out with the ankle sprain he acquired against the Phoenix Suns almost two weeks ago. Fortunately, we have some better news as it pertains to the status of Sabonis and DeRozan.
If you look at ESPN's injury report for the Kings, neither Sabonis nor DeRozan are listed on there anymore. On top of that, individuals covering the team have said they will both be active for this game. Both of them were out with back injuries. Sabonis missed one game. DeRozan missed three.
The Kings are going to continue to be without their 2024 first round pick Devin Carter, who is yet to make his season debut as he rehabs from off-season shoulder injury. Mason Jones (hamstring) and Isaiah Crawford (ankle) are both also out for this game.
Los Angeles Clippers Injury Report
The Kings' injury luck has been rough, but the basketball gods haven't exactly been kind to the Clippers, either. Kawhi Leonard, the team's best player, will not make his season debut tonight as he continues to deal with his ongoing knee injury. The good news on that front is that he has been cleared to resume shooting work (per Tomer Azarly).
The Clippers will also be without their leading scorer on the season, Norman Powell (who is averaging a career-best 23.3 PPG). Powell is still dealing with the hamstring injury he suffered against the Golden State Warriors earlier this week.
P.J. Tucker is still away from the team for non-injury related reasons.
After this NBA Cup game, the Kings will host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, November 24.