Every game in the regular season schedule is important, similar to how every possession in a game is important. But from an emotional level, there are games (and possessions) that mean just a little bit more than the rest.
Tonight is one of those games for the Sacramento Kings. Not only are they playing their division rivals the Golden State Warriors. But they are also playing the team that holds a 3.5-game lead over them for the sixth seed. If the Kings want any chance of avoiding the play-in tournament, it would behoove them to win this game.
But who will the Kings have available to them? What about the Warriors? Here is the full injury report ahead of this game.
Sacramento Kings Injury Report
The big name everyone will be monitoring on the Kings' side of things is Domantas Sabonis – the guy many believe to be the team's best player (especially now that De'Aaron Fox is with the San Antonio Spurs).
Sabonis has missed the Kings last five games (they are 2-3 in that span) since he strained his left hamstring in the opening minutes of their victory against the Houston Rockets. For the first time since then, Sabonis carries a designation other than "out." Instead, Sabonis is listed as "questionable," which generally means he has a 50/50 chance of playing.
The other main rotation player whose status is in question is Jake LaRavia. He was a late scratch against the New York Knicks because of right knee soreness. Like Sabonis, he is also listed as "questionable" for this game.
Outside of those two, Mason Jones and Skal Labissiere are listed as "out" due to their G-League obligations.
Golden State Warriors
The big news out of Golden State's camp is that, for the first time since January 4, Jonathan Kuminga is expected to play. Kuminga suffered a right ankle sprain on that day, and he's been out ever since then. He is currently listed as "probable," which gives about a 75% chance of playing tonight.
Curiously enough, Gary Payton II's name is on the injury report because of a bilateral nasal bone fracture. However, he is listed as "available." So, expect him to suit up tonight. Outside of those two, Brandin Podziemski will miss his third straight game as the second year guard continues to nurse a back injury.
After this game, the Kings have a quick turnaround, traveling to Phoenix to play the Suns on Friday, March 14