Kings at Suns: Matchups, TV, odds, injury reports and 3 things to watch
The Sacramento Kings will put their lack of frontcourt depth to the test when they face the Phoenix Suns in Wednesday’s season opener at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.
Forwards Keegan Murray (thumb) and Isaac Jones (illness) and center Domantas Sabonis (hamstring) have been ruled out for Sacramento. Guard Grayson Allen (hip) is probable and guard Jalen Green (hamstring) is out for Phoenix.
Murray is expected to miss at least a month after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament. Sabonis is expected to miss at least two games with a strained hamstring and will likely be questionable at best for the third game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.
The Kings went 1-3 in the preseason, losing to the Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers before concluding preseason play with a 117-116 win over the Lakers.
The Suns went 3-1 in the preseason with two wins over the Lakers, one win over the Brooklyn Nets and one loss to the Nets.
Here are three things to watch in Wednesday’s game.
Starting lineup
Kings point guard Dennis Schroder (ankle) is not listed on the injury report, so he will likely start with Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Drew Eubanks. The fifth starter for Sacramento will probably remain a mystery until lineups are announced about 30 minutes before tipoff.
Kings coach Doug Christie could start a bigger lineup with Dario Saric at power forward. He could also choose to start Malik Monk or Keon Ellis in a three-guard lineup with DeRozan sliding over to the power forward spot.
Bothering Booker
The Kings will give themselves a chance to win if they can prevent four-time All-Star Devin Booker from having a huge game.
Booker averaged 25.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 2024-25. He shot just 33.2% from 3-point range last season, but he hit 43.8% on 5.3 attempts per game during the preseason.
Look for LaVine
The Kings will want to look for LaVine early and often.
The two-time All-Star had an outstanding preseason, averaging 15.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.0 steals in 24.0 minutes per game. He shot 55% from the field and 48% from 3-point range.
Kings at Suns
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Suns -3.5
Over/under: 228.5
Injury report
Kings: OUT — Isaac Jones (illness); Keegan Murray (thumb); Domantas Sabonis (hamstring).
Suns: PROBABLE — Grayson Allen (hip). OUT — Jalen Green (hamstring).
