Kings Injury Report: Double Injury Scare for Sacramento Ahead of Crucial Pelicans Clash

Published 04/11/2024, 12:56 PM EDT

With three more matchups left to end the regular season, the Sacramento Kings host the New Orleans Pelicans at the Golden 1 Center on Thursday. Seeded eight in the Western Conference, 45-34, the Kings look to build a pace heading into the play ins. However, as they do, the team faces a double blow to their lineup.

As per early reports by ESPN, the Sacramento Kings have point guard Jordan Ford and power forward Keegan Murray on the questionable list. Ford is listed as questionable because of right hip soreness. Ford has only featured in 6 games for the Kings this season after his G League run with the Stockton Kings. During which he has averaged 1.4 points.

As for Keegan Murray, the star forward has been a revelation this season. Suffering from left calf soreness, Murray finds himself in a position of possibly missing his 6th game. In his last appearance, he posted 15 points and 20 rebounds, playing through the injury for 38 minutes. On a wider look, Murray is averaging 15.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists this season. With tonight’s matchup being the first back-to-back for the team and play-ins closing in, the Kings might look to rest their forward. In his absence

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On the other end, the Pelicans find their star forward out due to a bone bruise in his left knee and shooting guard Naji Marshall as questionable due to left shoulder contusion.

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Predicted Lineups: Kings vs Pelicans

Seeded 8th, the Kings are having decent form, winning 5 games out of their last 10. In doing so, they have fared well on the offensive end this season. They have scored points at an average of 116.5 which is 9th overall in the league. Whereas, they have conceded points at an average of 115.1 which is 17th overall in the league. This is how they could line up: De’Aaron Fox, Keon Ellis, Harrison Barnes, Damontas Sabonis, and Malik Monk.

As for the New Orleans Pelicans, they are currently holding onto the 6th seed in the Western Conference, 47-32 while on a 2-game winning streak. The Pelicans have been formidable, recording an average of 114.9 points while conceding points at an average of 110.4 which is 8th overall in the league. They are currently just one game ahead of the Suns in 7th seed and will look to gain a one up in the close contest for the playoffs. This is how they could line up: Herb Jones, Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, Jonas Valančiūnas, and Naji Marshall.

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With both teams vying for a spot in the play offs, a high-intensity battle will prove a given.

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Written by:

Dhanraj is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Fueled by the legendary Kobe Bryant's Mamba Mentality, Dhanraj weaves his passion for the game with in-depth analysis, sharpened by his experience as a state-level shooting guard. His are of expertise lies in breaking down trade reports and their implications for fans.

Edited by:

Shivatmika Manvi

Kings Injury Report: Double Injury Scare for Sacramento Ahead of Crucial Pelicans Clash

Predicted Lineups: Kings vs Pelicans

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