With a 36-37 record in the Western Conference, the Sacramento Kings are desperate for every win they can get down the final stretch of the regular season.
As the No. 9 seed, the Kings have a half-game lead over the Dallas Mavericks and a 1.5-game lead over the Phoenix Suns -- meaning they can very well slip out of the Play-In Tournament race altogether.
The Kings are taking on the Orlando Magic in a Saturday afternoon contest, as their opponent is the No. 8 seed and in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Both sides ought to be eager for a big win.
Sacramento has been subpar since the trade deadline, where they moved on from De'Aaron Fox in favor of Zach LaVine -- when they could have instead opted to launch a rebuild.
Making a stagnant deal to remain a middle-of-the-pack team was certainly a choice for the Kings, and they've got to live with that decision for at least the remainder of the season.
As they mount for a massive afternoon contest against the Magic, they've ruled out one key player.
Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) © Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images © Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Final injury report before Kings-Magic
The Kings have ruled out Jake LaRavia, who is dealing with a left thumb contusion. Mason Jones is out as he is playing in the G League currently.
The Magic will be without Mo Wagner and Jalen Suggs -- who are two key rotational players with longer-term injuries. Mac McClung and Ethan Thompson are both in the G League for Orlando.
One status to keep an eye on for the Magic is Cole Anthony, who is listed as doubtful with a big toe strain.
The Kings are 1.5-point underdogs entering the matchup.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 29, 2025 at 11:53 AM.