Kings vs. Pelicans gameday live: Sacramento injury news, updates and scouting reports
The Kings hope to be better in the bayou when they play the New Orleans Pelicans for the second time in 48 hours Wednesday at Smoothie King Center.
The Pelicans ended Sacramento’s six-game winning streak with a 129-93 victory Monday in New Orleans. The Kings will try to avenge that loss before heading to Minneapolis to conclude a six-game road trip against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
The Kings (8-5) are dealing with a number of injuries. Chris Duarte (left thumb soreness), Trey Lyles (left calf strain), Keegan Murray (lower back soreness) and Sasha Vezenkov (left thumb soreness) are questionable for Wednesday’s game. Keon Ellis (left ankle sprain) and Alex Len (right ankle sprain) have been ruled out.
Lyles, who has been out since injuring his calf during warmups before a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors, could be on the verge of a return after missing the first 13 games. He recently told The Sacramento Bee he hoped to return during the current road trip.
The Pelicans (7-7) have ruled out CJ McCollum (lung), Trey Murphy III (knee) and Matt Ryan (calf). Larry Nance Jr. (rib) is questionable.
Scouting Sacramento
Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the Kings looked like a tired, road-weary and injury depleted team in Monday’s loss to the Pelicans. They shot 37.9% from the field, 24.4% from 3-point range and 66.7% at the free-throw line.
Point guard De’Aaron Fox had a rare off night. He scored 14 points on 5-of-18 shooting from the field and 2-of-12 shooting from 3-point range with zero assists.
Center Domantas Sabonis was held to 10 points with 10 rebounds and eight assists. Murray only scored five points before leaving the game at halftime due to the back injury.
Scouting New Orleans
The Kings had no answers for Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. Ingram scored 31 points on 11-of-18 shooting. Williamson had 26 points on 12-of-16 shooting. Even Herb Jones had his way with the Kings, making 7 of 9 from the field to finish with 18 points, well above his season average of 11.6.
The Pelicans shot 54.3% from the field and 42.9% from 3-point range against the Kings. They amassed a 55-36 rebounding advantage and tallied 38 assists with only 10 turnovers.
Lyles in, Murray out?
The Bee’s Chris Biderman reports Lyles was a full participant in Sacramento’s morning shootaround and is expected to be available for Wednesday’s game. Duarte and Vezenkov also participated in shootaround. Murray was not on the floor at the end of shootaround and is likely to miss the game.
Status updates
Murray has been ruled out for Wednesday’s game, but Lyles is available and will suit up for the first time this season. Duarte has also been cleared to play. Vezenkov remains questionable.
Kings at Pelicans
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Smoothie King Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Kings -1.5
Over/under: 235.5
Injury report
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Chris Duarte (thumb); Trey Lyles (calf); Keegan Murray (back); Sasha Vezenkov (thumb). OUT — Keon Ellis (ankle); Jordan Ford (G League); Alex Len (ankle).
Pelicans: QUESTIONABLE — Larry Nance Jr. (rib). OUT — E.J. Liddell (G League); CJ McCollum (lung); Trey Murphy III (knee); Matt Ryan (calf); Dereon Seabron (G League).
Upcoming schedule
Nov. 22 at New Orleans Pelicans
Nov. 24 at Minnesota Timberwolves
Nov. 28 vs. Golden State Warriors
Nov. 29 vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Dec. 2 vs. Denver Nuggets
