The Sacramento Kings have plenty of defensive firepower in their second unit, and we may see Doug Christie call on rookie guard Devin Carter more during this final stretch of the regular season.
NBC Sports California analyst Kayte Christensen joined The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross to share her thoughts on the Kings’ bench unit of Carter, Keon Ellis, and Jake LaRavia, contemplate how vital Jonas Valanciunas is to Sacramento’s success as they play without Domantas Sabonis (ankle), and much more.
Be sure to check out the entire interview with NBC Sports’ Kayte Christensen on the Sactown Sports 1140 YouTube page.
YouTube video
Topics Discussed
Sacramento handled the absence of Domantas Sabonis during their win over Memphis on Monday.
The defensive trio of Jake LaRavia, Devin Carter, and Keon Ellis worked well against the Grizzlies.
“The difference in that game was a four-minute stretch where they caused six turnovers. There hadn’t been a single turnover from Memphis until that stretch.”
Has Doug Christie found a lineup where each player has a specific role?
What does Kayte want to see from Sacramento as they weather Domantas Sabonis’ absence?
Thoughts on Devin Carter starting to showcase his NBA potential
Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
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More Kings coverage from Sactown Sports
Not long into his second game since returning from a left hamstring injury, Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis exited Monday night’s game against Memphis after suffering a gash about his right eye.
After returning to the a bit later, with a bandage on his face potentially covering stitches, the two-time All-NBA big rolled his right ankle significantly.
Clearly in pain, Sabonis immediately signed up for someone to help him get to the locker room. The NBC California broadcast also caught him falling in the tunnel while walking to the locker room.
According to ESPN‘s Shams Charania, the 28-year-old “will miss at least 10 days with a right ankle sprain.”
Currently the ninth seed in the Western Conference – 3.5 games behind 8th, two games above 10th – interim head coach Doug Christie needs all the wins he can get out of this new-look Kings group.
Monday night’s 132-122 victory over the Grizzlies snapped a four-game losing streak, and now they will have to remain afloat without their All-NBA caliber center.
Ten days equals at least six games for Sabonis, the entirety of the Sacramento Kings’ remaining homestand. It’s a tough schedule, featuring matchups against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Oklahoma City Thunder.
That includes the three best records in the NBA this season. Jonas Valanciunas and Trey Lyles (and potentially two-way rookie Isaac Jones) will get added minutes in the absence of Sabonis.
On another note, Sabonis, who is in the All-NBA race, has only played in 58 games. Two seasons ago, the NBA implemented a rule that restricts players who participated in less than 65 games to earn major honors, including All-NBA.
Upcoming schedule for the 2024-25 Sacramento Kings
Wednesday, March 19th – vs. Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:00 PM PT
Thursday, March 20th – vs. Chicago Bulls – 7:00 PM PT
Saturday, March 22nd – vs. Milwaukee Bucks – 7:00 PM PT
Monday, March 24th – vs. Boston Celtics – 7:00 PM PT
Tuesday, March 25th – vs. Oklahoma City Thunder – 7:00 PM PT
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