The Sacramento Kings have one of the worst records in the NBA this season. With a dismal 19-53 run, the Western Conference side has had a forgettable campaign.
Additionally, they have a string of names on the injury report, including solid rotation players, to compound their woes. The Kings are already without stars Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine after they were ruled out with season-ending surgeries.
Sacramento Kings Injury Report: Russell Westbrook’s Status vs. Hornets
Per ESPN, the Kings have ruled out Russell Westbrook for a second consecutive game due to a right foot injury. Also missing out is Nique Clifford (left mid-foot sprain), who will be re-evaluated in a week. Drew Eubanks (left thumb UCL repair), De’Andre Hunter (left eye retinal repair), and Keegan Murray (left ankle sprain) are also out for the game.
The team has listed Killian Hayes (foot) as questionable, as is Precious Achiuwa (lower back soreness). Daeqwon Plowden is probable with right foot soreness.
Westbrook’s absence will be felt by the Kings, with the veteran guard providing a major spark on offense. The All-Star is averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists while shooting 42.7% from the field and 33.8% from the 3-point line in 64 games.
While his fiery interaction with reporters generated buzz earlier this month, there is no denying that the former MVP has seen a surge in scoring this season. After being named a formidable playmaker, Westbrook has played a key role as the team’s offensive engine and locker room leader off the court.
The Kings have been a different unit in their last few games, picking up a few recent wins. They are led by veteran forward DeMar DeRozan with 18.4 points, while Malik Monk is chipping in with 12.8 points per game. The absence of Murray and Westbrook opens up more opportunities for Monk.
Injuries and inconsistency have played a major role in Sacramento’s below-par campaign this season. Despite having All-Stars on the team, the fit and lack of chemistry have impacted the Kings’ run. The roster construction sees the side as a top-heavy team reliant on its star names to win games.
The Kings begin their five-game road trip on Tuesday, starting with a test against the Hornets. They play the Orlando Magic after, and later play a back-to-back against the Atlanta Hawks and the Brooklyn Nets.
While their disappointing season finally inches toward an end, the Kings will hope to shed the tanking tag and finish with a flourish. Only time will tell whether they will have Westbrook’s services at some point on the road trip.
