Kings vs. Timberwolves: Will Zach LaVine play after De’Aaron Fox trade? 3 things to watch
The Kings will move forward without De’Aaron Fox when they conclude a six-game road trip against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday at Target Center in Minneapolis.
The Kings acquired two-time All-Star Zach LaVine on Sunday in a three-team trade sending Fox to the San Antonio Spurs and Kevin Huerter to the Chicago Bulls.
The trade had not been officially announced as of late Sunday night and it’s unclear when LaVine will be available to play for Sacramento. LaVine missed the past two games for Chicago due to personal reasons as he and his wife, Hunter, were reportedly expecting their third child.
The Kings (24-24) lost four of their first five games on the current road trip. They are 10th in the Western Conference playoff race.
The Timberwolves (27-22) had won five in a row before suffering a 105-103 loss to the Washington Wizards on Saturday. They are seventh in the West, one game behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the No. 6 seed.
Here are three things to watch in Monday’s game.
Zach attack
LaVine will provide instant offense if he suits up against Minnesota.
At age 29, the 6-foot-5 shooting guard is having one of the best years of his career. He is averaging 24.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting career highs of 51.1% from the field and 44.6% from 3-point range on 7.3 attempts per game.
New point guard
With Fox heading to San Antonio, Malik Monk will likely take over as Sacramento’s starting point guard.
Monk, Fox’s childhood friend and former Kentucky teammate, has long been considered the team’s best pick-and-roll ballhandler. Monk is having a banner year, averaging career highs of 18.0 points and 5.9 assists.
Minnesota’s injuries
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards (illness) and reigning Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid (finger) are questionable for Monday’s game. Donte DiVincenzo (toe) and Julius Randle (groin) have been ruled out.
Edwards leads the team in scoring at 26.6 points per game. Randle is second at 18.9 points per game followed by Reid (13.5 ppg) and DiVincenzo (11.0 ppg).
Kings at Timberwolves
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Target Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Tiimberwolves -4.5
Over/under: 221.5
Injury report
Kings: OUT — Isaiah Crawford (G League); Colby Jones (G League); Isaac Jones (G League).
Timberwolves: QUESTIONABLE — Anthony Edwards (illness); Naz Reid (finger). OUT — Donte DiVincenzo (toe); Tristen Newton (G League); Julius Randle (groin).
