The Sacramento Kings are trying their hardest to avoid the Play-In Tournament and secure a playoff spot. Before the loss to the Wizards, they were in a solid position. Now, they have to get back to playing good defense and string together some wins to separate themselves from the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns.
They are still short-handed with Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles, and Sasha Vezenkov, but the team cannot allow those injuries to drag them down. This is the most important stretch of the regular season after all. So, let’s look at one question for every Kings player as the countdown to the playoffs begins.
De’Aaron Fox
Does he have what it takes to lead a winning playoff team?
Fox ascended to All-Star status last season but has been somewhat up-and-down this season. Just yesterday against the Wizards, for example, he struggled to score at first and was incredibly inefficient. That does not fly in the postseason.
He was great in the playoffs last season but still has to lead his team through a series and prove that he can be that guy.
Domantas Sabonis
Can he carry his dominance over to the postseason?
Sabonis is one of the most dominant big men in the league this season, leading the league in rebounds, double-doubles, and triple-doubles. So far, he hasn’t been able to play at the same level in the playoffs, however. If the Kings want to be a real threat in the West, he has to fix that.
Keegan Murray
Can he find his shot?
After being one of the best three-point shooters in the league last season, Keegan Murray has struggled from long range. He has extended his offensive skill set and come a long way as a defender, but the Kings will need his three-point shooting down the stretch,
With Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles, and Sasha Vezenkov all injured, the Kings have three good shooters sidelined right now. Murray has to step up his game and shooting is a big part of that.