Kings-Pelicans gameday live: Updates on De’Aaron Fox, Jonas Valanciunas, Zion Williamson
De’Aaron Fox’s status is uncertain as the Kings prepare for another big night in the Western Conference playoff race, but not because of the wrist injury that caused him to miss a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder last week.
The Kings are listing Fox as questionable for Monday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center due to left hamstring soreness. Fox missed Tuesday’s win in Oklahoma City with left wrist soreness, but he returned to score 33 points in Friday’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers and 25 points in Saturday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Kings (37-26) are third in the Western Conference with 19 games remaining in the regular season, one game behind the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies and two games ahead of the fourth-seeded Phoenix Suns. Sacramento can move within a half-game of Memphis with a win over New Orleans.
The Pelicans (31-33) are ninth in the West, just a half-game ahead of the Utah Jazz for the final play-in spot. They are coming off a 108-99 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Jonas Valanciunas is questionable against the Kings due to a left calf contusion. Zion Williamson is scheduled to be reevaluated this week, but he is still out with a right hamstring strain. Jose Alvarado (tibia), E.J. Liddell (knee), Larry Nancy Jr. (ankle) and Josh Richardson (personal reasons) are out as well.
Fox, who recently made his first appearance in the NBA All-Star Game, is averaging 25.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists in his sixth season out of Kentucky. The Kings are 2-4 in the six games he has missed this season.
Fox has taken his game to another level recently as the Kings close in on their first playoff berth since 2006. He averaged 32.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists in February, shooting 56.7% from the field, 34.1% from 3-point range and 78.7% on 9.9 free-throw attempts per game.
The Kings will wrap up a four-game homestand when they play host to the New York Knicks on Thursday in a game that has been added to the TNT schedule. The Kings will visit the Suns on Saturday and face the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday in Sacramento before embarking on a four-game road trip to play the Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and Jazz.
Ruled out
Fox participated in Sacramento’s morning shootaround, but the Kings announced he has been ruled out for Monday’s game against the Pelicans. Davion Mitchell will likely start in his place.
Valanciunas update
Valanciunas will start at center for New Orleans after being cleared to play against the Kings. The 6-foot-11, 25-pound center missed the past two games with a calf injury. He is averaging 14.2 points and 9.7 rebounds.
Pelicans at Kings
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Kings -6.0
Over/under: 239
Injury report
Clippers: QUESTIONABLE — Jonas Valanciunas (calf). OUT — Jose Alvarado (tibia); Larry Nance Jr. (ankle); Josh Richardson (personal); E.J. Liddell (knee); Zion Williamson (hamstring).
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — De’Aaron Fox (hamstring); Richaun Holmes (non-COVID illness).
Upcoming schedule
March 6 vs. New Orleans Pelicans
March 9 vs. New York Knicks
March 11 at Phoenix Suns
March 13 vs. Milwaukee Bucks
March 15 at Chicago Bulls
This story was originally published March 6, 2023 at 4:00 AM.
