Kings vs. Pistons: Cade Cunningham for MVP, Malik Monk’s role, keys the game
The Sacramento Kings will take on one of the top teams in the NBA when they play host to the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday at Golden 1 Center.
The Kings (7-22) snapped a five-game losing streak with a thrilling 125-124 overtime victory against the Houston Rockets on Sunday. They have the worst record in the Western Conference and the third-worst record in the NBA.
The Pistons (23-6) will be on the second night of a back-to-back after beating the Portland Trail Blazers 110-102 on Monday. They are leading the Eastern Conference by 2 ½ games after winning six of their last seven.
The Kings are missing Zach LaVine (ankle), Domantas Sabonis (knee) and Drew Eubanks (thumb). Devin Carter (ankle) and Doug McDermott (knee) are questionable.
Here are three keys to Tuesday’s game.
MVP candidate
Cade Cunningham, who came out of Oklahoma State as the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NBA draft, is emerging as an MVP candidate in his fifth season. Cunningham is averaging career highs of 27.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 1.4 steals.
Cunningham has posted three triple-doubles this season. He had 39 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists against the Orlando Magic on Nov. 28. He put up 46 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists against the Washington Wizards on Nov. 10.
Monk’s minutes
Malik Monk’s role in coach Doug Christie’s rotation will continue to be a focal point.
Monk, the runner-up for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award in 2023-24, did not play in back-to-back losses to the Portland Trail Blazers. He received a huge ovation when he came off the bench for five minutes in Sunday’s win over the Rockets.
Christie maintains Monk is just the “odd man out” in a crowded guard rotation following his decision to give Keon Ellis more minutes. Monk told The Sacramento Bee he is “1,000%” confused by the decision.
Competitive spirit
The Kings have played hard over the past three games, showing fight despite the absences of LaVine and Sabonis. They came up short in close losses to the Blazers before breaking through with an impressive win over the Rockets.
Pistons at Kings
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Pistons -8.5
Over/under: 227.5
Injury report
Pistons: QUESTIONABLE — Ronald Hollard II (knee); Caris LeVert (knee). OUT — Isaac Jones (G League); Bobi Klintman (G League); Chaz Lanier (G League); Wendell Moore Jr. (G League); Tolu Smith (G League).
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Devin Carter (ankle); Doug McDermott (knee). OUT — Drew Eubanks (thumb); Zach LaVine (ankle); Daeqwon Plowden (G League); Domantas Sabonis (knee); Isaiah Stevens (G League).
This story was originally published December 23, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
