Matt George here, the host of the daily Locked On Kings podcast, with your daily Locked On Kings newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Kings and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
The Sacramento Kings Finally Beat the New Orleans Pelicans!
The Sacramento Kings showcased their resilience in an uncomfortable but needed victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, with standout performances from key players like DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis, in particular, was a force to be reckoned with, demonstrating his ability to lead the team offensively. He ended the first half with a remarkable 20-point, 12-rebound double-double, keeping the Kings competitive despite a challenging start.
Sabonis Steps Up
Sabonis has been under scrutiny for his offensive contributions, but he silenced critics with his aggressive play. His ability to maintain possession and attack the basket was pivotal, especially against a physically imposing Pelicans team. Sabonis’ performance was a testament to his growth, as he embraced the challenge from his teammates and coaching staff to be more assertive in scoring. His improved three-point shooting and decision-making in the paint have been instrumental in the Kings’ recent success.
The Kings’ strategy to encourage Sabonis to take more shots has paid off. In games where he attempts 15 or more field goals, he averages 26 points and shoots 62% from the field. Sabonis’ ability to rise to the occasion against top-tier opponents too, like Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama, is a promising sign for the Kings as they aim to climb the standings.
DeMar DeRozan’s Impact
DeMar DeRozan’s acquisition has been a game-changer for Sacramento. In the third quarter against the Pelicans, DeRozan took charge, scoring 16 points and hitting crucial three-pointers. His performance provided the offensive spark the Kings needed, preventing the Pelicans from pulling away. DeRozan’s ability to step up in critical moments has filled a void that plagued the Kings in previous matchups against New Orleans.
DeRozan’s presence not only boosts the team’s scoring but also allows other players like Sabonis and Fox to find their rhythm. His leadership and scoring prowess have been vital in turning the tide for Sacramento, especially during stretches where the team struggles to find offensive consistency.
The Kings’ recent success can be attributed to their improved ball movement and reduced turnovers. Over the last five games, they’ve averaged 30 assists and only 13 turnovers, showcasing their ability to take care of the basketball. This disciplined play has been a key factor in their four wins during this stretch, positioning them back at .500 and ready to tackle upcoming challenges.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Sacramento Kings’ journey, tune into the Locked On Kings podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Kings Podcast:
- Analysis of the Kings’ defensive strategies in the fourth quarter
- The impact of Keegan Murray’s performance on the team’s success
- Upcoming matchups and their significance for the Kings’ playoff aspirations
- A look at the Kings’ assist-to-turnover ratio and its role in recent victories
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in action against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
I was going to write about the NBA Cup semi-finals today but Milwaukee head coach, Doc Rivers, beat me to it by putting it all pretty succinctly with this:
“I mean, we’re gonna bring our wheelchairs to the cup because we have these three young teams. You know, everybody’s — Atlanta is young, Oklahoma is young, Houston is young. Then here comes the old Milwaukee Bucks, wheeling in. That’s what we are gonna be. We’re gonna just wheel in our wheelchairs and come in on our canes and see if we can just play some basketball. That’s what we are gonna do.”
So instead, let’s talk about superstars and trades. Not because any are going to be traded, but because the allure of the possibility of people like LeBron James and Jimmy Butler — people who create their own gravity — has once again hit peak saturation in NBA discourse.
The Heat floated the idea of a Butler trade, either directly or indirectly, and speculation over which team would make a ready destination followed suit. These things tend to go like dominoes — one of Butler’s favourite pastimes — but in terms of veracity, look no further than Butler’s own agent quashing the speculation. Yes, things have read as weirdly remiss in Miami, especially involving Butler, going back to team president Pat Riley’s end of season press conference. In it, Riley seemed to suggest the Heat were behind Butler so long as he was behind them. It’s a statement that should be self-evident, which is why it’s worth taking a second look at.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Must Read The best defense in the NBA is 4,500 screaming maniacs, or how the Clippers built the best home court advantage. (WSJ)
Analysis Even the Wizards are surprised they’re losing like this. (The Athletic)
Rumor NBA trade intel on Lakers, Pelicans, Warriors, Heat, Hawks and more from two ESPN insiders.
Award Did you know? PrizePicks is the best place to cash in on your sports knowledge. All you have to do is correctly pick More or Less on a couple of player’s stats and then watch the money roll in. Prove your knowledge on PrizePicks.*
Celebrate Kings’ star center shines in 111-109 win over the Pelicans. His performance was crucial to securing the victory. (Sports Illustrated)
Ranking In the latest NBA Power Rankings, the Sacramento Kings are evaluated as the NBA Cup reaches its semifinals. (Bleacher Report)
Analysis Detailed report card grades for the 2024-25 NBA season reveal the Sacramento Kings’ performance metrics. (Bleacher Report)
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Fantasy Cheat Sheet
What To Do With Portland’s Centers In Fantasy Basketball
Nov 22, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) handles the ball against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr (10) during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images | Erik Williams/Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Portland’s Center Conundrum
Portland is currently a hotbed of uncertainty, especially concerning their center position. With Deandre Ayton battling an illness and Robert Williams III and Donovan Clingan both questionable due to injuries, fantasy managers are left in a bind. The likelihood of all three playing is slim, making it a gamble to stream any of them. If you’re considering adding Williams or Clingan to your roster, be prepared for a potential last-minute change. This situation highlights the importance of staying updated with player statuses, especially when dealing with teams like Portland, which can be notoriously unpredictable.
Injury Updates and Player Performances
Injuries are an inevitable part of the NBA season, and they can significantly impact fantasy lineups. Stephon Castle’s unexpected absence due to a shoulder issue has opened up opportunities for other players. Devin Vassell might see increased minutes, and if he starts, it could be challenging to move him back to the bench. Meanwhile, Zach Collins’ absence in San Antonio means Charles Bassey could be a valuable stream option for those needing a big man.
The Utah Jazz are also dealing with injury woes, with Lauri Markkanen managing a lower back issue and Jordan Clarkson’s status remaining questionable. Markkanen’s potential absence could lead to increased roles for players like Johnny Juzang or Micah Potter, but the situation remains fluid. Fantasy managers should be cautious and consider steering clear of the Jazz’s lineup until there’s more clarity.
In Los Angeles, LeBron James is officially out with a foot injury, which could mean more opportunities for Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht. Nikola Vucevic’s illness adds another layer of complexity, and if he’s out, Jalen Smith becomes a viable streaming option.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Kings podcasts.
The Sacramento Kings Must Be Aggressive in the NBA Trade Market Matt George breaks down the latest NBA trade rumors and why the Sacramento Kings need to be aggressive in trade talks, even this far ahead of the trade deadline.
Sacramento Kings New Sixth Man Kevin Huerter Shines Off the Bench Matt George breaks down the Sacramento Kings’ 141-97 win over the Utah Jazz, where Kevin Huerter exploded for 26 points off the bench, while the Kings continued their trend of recent blowout victories.
Turns Out, When the Sacramento Kings Make Shots, They Win Games Matt George breaks down the Sacramento Kings’ 140-113 win in San Antonio, where the shots were falling, the sharpshooters went off, and Keon Ellis’ defense calmed everyone down.
