The Sacramento Kings have yet another check on the highway earlier than they head dwelling.
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Sacramento will wrap up a six-game highway journey once they go to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night time in Minneapolis. The Kings want to end on a optimistic notice after shedding 4 of their first 5 video games on the journey.
The newest loss, a 144-110 blowout by the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder on Saturday, left some veteran Kings gamers questioning each other’s dedication.
“We didn’t play hard, didn’t compete, got embarrassed, got our kicked,” Kings ahead DeMar DeRozan mentioned. “Whatever the reason, whatever we did or didn’t do, it’s about how we respond from here.”
The Timberwolves additionally will look to maneuver previous an embarrassing loss. Minnesota is coming off a 105-103 defeat at dwelling in opposition to the Washington Wizards, who had misplaced their earlier 16 video games in a row and had not gained since New 12 months’s Day.
A slew of accidents and diseases has created current adversity for Minnesota, which performed with out high scorers Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle on Saturday night time. Edwards’ standing is unsure for Monday and Randle is more likely to stay sidelined.
Minnesota 3-point sharpshooter Donte DiVincenzo is also out due to a toe harm. To additional complicate issues, helpful large man Naz Reid sustained a proper finger sprain on Saturday and didn’t return after the third quarter.
A bunch of bench gamers, each younger and previous, will attempt to fill the void for individuals who can not play.
“Keep growing, keep learning,” mentioned Timberwolves veteran Joe Ingles, who has performed sparingly this season however logged 20 minutes in the newest sport. “The injuries are part of this in the NBA, and we have to figure it out until they’re back.”
Teammate Mike Conley agreed. He’s optimistic that the on-court chemistry will enhance for Timberwolves gamers, who’ve been known as into extra outstanding roles with high gamers out.
Rookie guards Rob Dillingham and Jaylen Clark each have performed extra in current days. Luka Garza additionally has logged extra taking part in time as a backup large man.
“Guys actually did a good job adjusting to that and not dwelling too much on it,” Conley mentioned. “We literally hadn’t played with the people who were out there on the court. Not all year, not all practice, not anything. …
“Roles change. I can shoot extra. I might be extra aggressive. I want to fall asleep a little bit bit earlier now.”
Sacramento options 5 gamers who’re scoring in double digits. De’Aaron Fox, whose identify has been linked to commerce rumors, leads the workforce with 25.0 factors per sport.
DeRozan , Domantas Sabonis , Malik Monk and Keegan Murray spherical out the Kings’ high 5 scorers.
Edwards is the Timberwolves’ high scorer with 26.6 factors per contest. Randle is second with 18.9 factors per sport and Reid is third with a mean of 13.5 factors.
Three others are scoring in double digits together with DiVincenzo , Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert .
That is the fourth and ultimate assembly between the groups in the course of the common season. Minnesota gained two of the primary three matchups, however the Kings gained 115-104 in the newest sport Nov. 27 in Minneapolis.
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