Game Preview: Kings vs. Cavaliers
In a clash of contrasting fortunes, the Sacramento Kings (12-33), struggling to gain traction this season, will attempt to snap their seven-game losing streak on the road as they head to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers (25-20). This matchup is set for Friday at 7:30 p.m. EST, with the Kings currently sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference and the Cavaliers holding steady in fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
Team Performance
Cleveland has demonstrated solid performance at home with a record of 14-11, particularly excelling in scoring within the paint. They rank seventh in the Eastern Conference with an average of 50.0 points in this area, largely due to rookie standout Evan Mobley, who contributes 10.5 points per game from close-range setups. Conversely, Sacramento has struggled on the road, managing just a 3-17 record, and allows 120.7 points per game while being outscored by an average of 10.0 points each outing.
Scoring Comparison
On the scoring front, the Cavaliers produce an impressive 119.1 points per game—slightly below the 120.7 points the Kings permit their opponents. Sacramento’s shooting has slightly edged out that of their rivals, with a field goal percentage of 46.7% compared to Cleveland’s competitors who shoot 46.5%.
Key Players
Key players to watch include Donovan Mitchell for the Cavaliers, averaging 28.9 points, alongside 4.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists. Mobley has also been significant, tallying 16.3 points and 7.7 rebounds while maintaining a 56.2% shooting accuracy over his last ten outings. For Sacramento, Russell Westbrook leads with 15.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists, while DeMar DeRozan scored an average of 20.0 points in his last ten performances.
Recent Form
In their recent form, the Cavaliers have gone 6-4, equaling their opponents’ scoring average at 117.1 points per game—while also hauling in 45.4 rebounds and dishing out 30.9 assists per game at a 48.8% shooting success rate. Meanwhile, the Kings hold a 4-6 record, managing just 111.0 points per game and shooting at 49.2% as they face their opponents’ average of 114.7 points.
Injury Updates
Injury updates indicate that the Cavaliers will be without Max Strus and Darius Garland due to foot injuries, while Sam Merrill‘s status is uncertain due to a hand issue. For the Kings, Keegan Murray remains sidelined with an ankle injury, and Domantas Sabonis is listed as day-to-day with a knee concern.
Conclusion
As the Kings look to change their trajectory, this matchup presents them with an opportunity to regain momentum against a competitive Cavaliers squad.
