Russell Westbrook is on the verge of another historic milestone as the Sacramento Kings prepare to play the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday at Golden 1 Center.
Westbrook ranks seventh among the NBA’s all-time leaders in assists with 10,333. Westbrook needs two assists to pass Mark Jackson for sixth and three assists to move into the top five ahead of Steve Nash.
The Kings (18-51) have won four of their last five games, helping team morale but potentially hurting their odds in the NBA draft lottery. After maintaining the worst record in the NBA for weeks, the Kings have now moved ahead of the Indiana Pacers (15-53), Washington Wizards (16-51) and Brooklyn Nets (17-51).
The Spurs (50-18) are in a much more enviable position with De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama leading a team with championship aspirations. San Antonio has the second-best record in the Western Conference – and the NBA – behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Spurs are 18-2 since Feb. 1. Wembanyama is averaging 24.3 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.0 blocks. Fox, who was traded to San Antonio after seven-plus seasons in Sacramento, is averaging 19.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.2 steals.
The Spurs will be on the second night of a back-to-back after beating the Los Angeles Clippers 119-115 on Monday. They have yet to submit an injury report for Tuesday’s game.
The Kings will be missing Devin Carter (calf), Drew Eubanks (thumb), De’Andre Hunter (eye), Zach LaVine (finger), Keegan Murray (ankle) and Domantas Sabonis (knee). Malik Monk (ankle) is questionable.
Spurs at Kings
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Odds: Spurs -13.5
Over/under: 235.5
Injury report
Spurs: Not yet submitted.
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Malik Monk (ankle). OUT — Devin Carter (calf); Drew Eubanks (thumb); De’Andre Hunter (eye); Zach LaVine (finger); Keegan Murray (ankle); Domantas Sabonis (knee).