Zach LaVine followed an impressive preseason with two outstanding games to start the regular season, but the Kings might have to find a way to win without him when they face the Los Angeles Lakers.
LaVine is questionable due to illness for Sunday’s game at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. He averaged 30.5 points over the first two games after shooting 55% from the field and 48% from 3-point range in four preseason contests.
The Kings (1-1) are already missing Keegan Murray, who had surgery to repair an ulnar collateral ligament tear in his left thumb, and Nique Clifford, who has a right hamstring strain.
The Lakers (1-1) have problems of their own. LeBron James is out with sciatica. Luka Doncic (left finger sprain) and Jaxson Hayes (left knee soreness) are questionable.
Here are three things to watch in Sunday’s game.
Look out for Luka
Doncic could be a problem for the Kings if he plays Sunday. He scored 49 points in a season-opening win over the Minnesota Timberwolves and 43 points in a loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Doncic averaged 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists over the first two games, becoming the first player in NBA history to start a season with back-to-back games of 40 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
Sacramento’s lineup
Kings coach Doug Christie will have a decision to make if LaVine can’t play Sunday.
Christie will probably start Malik Monk or Keon Ellis at shooting guard. Over the first two games, Monk averaged 19.5 points, 1.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in 24.0 minutes while shooting 51.9% from the field and 69.2% from 3-point range. Ellis, the team’s best perimeter defender, is averaging 6.5 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 15.0 minutes while shooting 62.5% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc.
Protect the paint
The Kings are tied for 24th in the NBA in opponent points in the paint, allowing an average of 56.0 per game.
The Suns outscored the Kings 64-54 on points in the paint with a 24-8 advantage in the third quarter. The Jazz outscored the Kings 48-36.
Lakers at Kings
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Lakers -2.5
Over/under: 231.5
Injury report
Lakers: QUESTIONABLE — Luka Doncic (finger); Jaxson Hayes (soreness). OUT — LeBron James (sciatica); Maxi Kleber (abdominal); Adou Thiero (knee).
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Zach LaVine (illness). OUT — Nique Clifford (hamstring); Keegan Murray (thumb).