After two tough losses to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Sacramento Kings are set to meet the Minnesota Timberwolves for an In-Season Tournament game. Both teams have won both of their tournament games so far, but the Kings’ total points have them sitting on top of West Group C right now.
The Timberwolves are a tough opponent, however, especially for a team as undersized as the Kings. They just struggled incredibly against the long Pelicans, and Minnesota is no different.
The Timberwolves are going into the game as the number-one team in the West with an 11-3 record. They have five players who average double-digit points and they currently have the best defensive rating in the league.
This will not be an easy game, and Keegan Murray’s availability could be one of the most important factors tonight. Pretty much all season long, he has been the Kings’ best defender and when he left Monday’s game against the Pelicans with lower back soreness, the Kings missed him immediately.
Is Keegan Murray playing tonight?
Unfortunately, Keegan Murray will not be playing tonight. He is officially listed as out on the NBA injury report. This means someone else has to step up as a perimeter defender for the Kings, like Chris Duarte and Harrison Barnes, for example.
Duarte has been getting into foul trouble, however, and Barnes often struggles with quick players. If neither one works out, we might finally see Kessler Edwards get some minutes.
He usually does not bring much offensively, but he has great length and might just be the Kings’ best bet against Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Who else will miss the game?
Also out for the Kings are Keon Ellis with a left ankle sprain, Alex Len with a right ankle sprain, and Jordan Ford, who will be playing in the G League. Colby Jones is listed as questionable with hip soreness.
The Timberwolves will be without Jaden McDaniels, which is fortunate for the Kings because he does a great job defending De’Aaron Fox, and Jordan McLaughlin.
When can we expect Murray to be back?
So far, the Kings have not specified a timeline for Murray’s return yet, but hopefully, he won’t miss too many games. The Kings need him healthy so he can provide defense and shotmaking.