Domantas Sabonis returned to the lineup for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he’s back on the injury report as the Kings prepare to face the Denver Nuggets.
The Kings are listing Sabonis as questionable for Tuesday’s game at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento due to the left ribcage contusion he suffered in a loss to the Nuggets on Nov. 3 in Denver.
Sabonis came back to post 20 points and 13 rebounds in Sunday’s 144-117 loss to the Timberwolves, but he played through considerable pain and discomfort after missing the previous two games. Sabonis was cleared to play after going through pregame warmups, but he told The Sacramento Bee he was experiencing labored breathing and a “sharp stab” sensation in his ribs.
The Kings (3-7) have lost two in a row and three of their last four while facing the NBA’s most difficult schedule without the services of Keegan Murray, who is recovering from thumb surgery.
The Nuggets (7-2) have won four in a row and seven of eight since losing their season opener to the Golden State Warriors. Jamal Murray (calf) and Aaron Gordon (hamstring) missed Saturday’s game against the Indiana Pacers, but both are listed as probable against the Kings.
Here are three keys to Tuesday’s game.
The Joker
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic had his way with the Kings in a 130-124 victory over Sacramento last week in Denver. Jokic finished with 34 points on 14-of-22 shooting with seven rebounds and 14 assists.
Jokic is averaging a triple-double, putting up 25.2 points, 13.0 rebounds and 11. 9 assists along with 1.9 steals. He is shooting 64.4% from the field and 35% from 3-point range.
Points in the paint
Points in the paint have been a problem for Sacramento. That could be a big problem against Denver.
The Nuggets are No. 3 in the NBA in that department, averaging 57.8 paint points per game. The Kings are 28th in opponent points in the paint, allowing an average of 55.8 per game.
In their most recent losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Timberwolves, the Kings were outscored 60-34 and 64-46 on points in the paint.
Rebounding
The rebounding battle will also play a big part in Tuesday’s game.
The Nuggets are sixth in the NBA in rebounding at 47.9 per game. The Kings are 29th at 40.4.
The Kings actually outrebounded the Nuggets 47-40 when they met last week. Sabonis had 17 rebounds in that game. Russell Westbrook had 12.
Nuggets at Kings
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: NBC Peacock
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Nuggets -8.5
Over/under: 239.5
Injury report
Nuggets: PROBABLE — Aaron Gordon (hamstring); Jamal Murray (calf). OUT — Tamar Bates (G League); DaRon Holmes I (G League); Curtis Jones (G League); Curtis Jones (G League).
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Domantas Sabonis (ribs). OUT — Dylan Cardwell (G League); Keegan Murray (thumb); Daeqwon Plowden (G League); Isaiah Stevens (G League).
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