The Sacramento Kings have been off to a rough start to the season. Their 2-5 record is discouraging, especially when considering the talent on the court. DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis, and Zach LaVine are all multiple-time All-Stars, while Malik Monk and Dennis Schroder have played well.
Sacramento will try to right the ship as they host the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. However, the Kings will be without two of their better players. Both LaVine and Sabonis have been ruled out, as reported by Anthony Slater of ESPN.
Both Injuries Are a Reason For Concern
GettyBoth Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine will miss the game against the Warriors.
LaVine will be missing his first game of the season. However, it is a back injury, so it is not something the Kings will want to mess with. The 12-year veteran has been a workhorse for the Kings this season. He has played at least 35 minutes in all seven games, and he is averaging 37.0 per game.
LaVine has been the best scorer in Sacramento, as well. He is averaging 27.4 points per game on 51.6% shooting, and he is knocking down 38.3% of his threes. Sacramento is going to have to find a way to replace his production on Wednesday night.
Sabonis is missing the game due to an injury to his ribs. He is averaging 34.7 minutes per game in his six starts. When active, he is one of the better big men in the NBA. The 29-year-old is averaging 14.5 points and 14.2 rebounds per game. In all six games he has played, Sabonis has recorded a double-double.
Not having Sabonis on the court is going to hurt the Kings in the paint. They will need someone to dominate the glass the way Sabonis has. Additionally, Sacramento is going to be forced into a smaller lineup.
Who Replaces the Two Stars?
GettyThe Kings could play a smaller lineup with their two stars out.
Replacing LaVine and Sabonis will not be easy. However, the Kings have the players to get through a game without them.
LaVine, a guard, is going to be easier to replace in terms of personnel. Malik Monk is a great sixth man. It is not likely he slides into the starting lineup, but he should see an uptick in minutes. Monk has not yet started a game this year, so expect him to keep coming off the bench.
Russell Westbrook is the other guard who could see an increase in playing time. He has started three games this year and is coming off a 26-point game Monday night. He has scored in the double-digits in the last five games, while starting three of the last four.
As for Sabonis’ replacement, it is going to be a little bit trickier. In the one game he has not played this year, the Kings opted to start Drew Eubanks. Eubanks, however, is averaging just 12.6 minutes per game. Although Eubanks might get the start, Doug Christie could decide to play a smaller lineup throughout the game.
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