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.
Kings’ Winning Streak: A Closer Look at the Doug Christie Era
The Sacramento Kings are riding high on a five-game winning streak, and the vibes around the team are undeniably positive. As we bask in the glow of recent victories, it’s crucial to examine the sustainability of this success under interim head coach Doug Christie.
Christie’s appointment has breathed new life into the Kings, with players seemingly reinvigorated on the court. The team’s most recent triumph, a double-overtime victory against the Miami Heat without De’Aaron Fox, showcased their resilience and newfound spirit. This win streak has propelled the Kings back into the Western Conference playoff race, now tied for the 10th spot and within striking distance of higher seeds.
The Doug Christie Effect
Christie’s approach differs significantly from his predecessor, Mike Brown. While Brown emphasized accountability and defensive improvement, Christie has focused on empowering players and simplifying the offense. His mantra of wanting players to “play basketball” rather than calling plays has resonated with the team, allowing for a more free-flowing style of play.
However, it’s important to note that interim head coaches rarely find long-term success in the NBA. The Kings’ current run could be attributed to the classic “new coach bump” often seen in sports. The question remains: Can Christie maintain this momentum and avoid the pitfalls that typically befall interim coaches?
Looking Beyond the Streak
As we enjoy the Kings’ resurgence, we must also consider the challenges ahead. The team’s upcoming schedule includes tougher opponents, and how they respond to inevitable adversity will be telling. Christie’s ability to navigate these obstacles and keep the team motivated will be crucial in determining whether this is a temporary boost or a genuine turnaround.
The Front Office Dilemma
The Kings’ front office faces critical decisions in the coming weeks. With the trade deadline approaching, they must weigh the benefits of making a significant move to capitalize on this momentum against the potential disruption to team chemistry. Additionally, the long-term future of key players, including De’Aaron Fox, looms large over the organization’s plans.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Kings’ current situation, tune into the Locked On Kings podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Kings Podcast:
• The tactical challenges facing Doug Christie
• Potential trade scenarios and their implications
• The Kings’ position in the Western Conference standings
Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after making a three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Intuit Dome. | Kiyoshi Mio/Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard left the Clippers behind in Denver on Wednesday, he travelled solo back to Los Angeles to meet his family as they evacuated their home in the Pacific Palisades. As of Thursday, the Palisades Fire — the biggest of the five separate fires burning in L.A. — has scorched through close to 20,000 acres of land, homes, buildings and infrastructure. Leonard’s family and their home are safe, and because natural disasters thankfully still trump the audience demand for athlete participation, Leonard’s also able to be away from the team and focus on what’s most important.
Not to draw too flimsy a point between disaster and basketball, but Leonard’s return to the Clippers had been top of mind for me prior to the fires, and his necessary absence now offers another lens to view his prolonged absence this season.
After he was pulled from Team USA’s Olympic play this summer, Leonard underwent a surgical procedure on his right knee. It’s same knee he had surgically repaired after an ACL tear in 2021 and a meniscus tear in April 2023, as well as the quad injury that eventually led to him parting ways with the Spurs over concerns of recovery mismanagement.
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 Steve Kerr and JJ Redick share the impact of the Los Angeles fires on their families’ lives. (ESPN)
Biz Aging NBA stars like Jimmy Butler may be in for a rude awakening. (Forbes)
Honor Doug Christie made a heartfelt statement following the Kings’ fifth consecutive win. His honesty and dedication have been pivotal in the team’s recent success. (Sports Illustrated)
Ranking As the trade deadline approaches, Bleacher Report evaluates where every NBA team stands. The Kings’ current form is discussed in the latest power rankings. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Sacramento Kings are set to play the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden at 7:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Friday’s NBA Fantasy Basketball Slate: Injury Updates and Streaming Options
Jan 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) drives against Washington Wizards forward Richaun Holmes (22) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The NBA action continues with seven games on tap for Friday, and there’s no shortage of intriguing storylines to follow. Let’s dive into the key matchups and player situations that fantasy managers need to keep an eye on.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Pelicans-Sixers matchup is plagued by absences on both sides. For New Orleans, Herb Jones (shoulder), Brandon Ingram, and Trey Murphy (ankle) are all sidelined. However, Zion Williamson is set to return after sitting out the previous game. The Sixers will continue to be without Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, and KJ Martin.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic
The Magic are on a back-to-back, while the Bucks are in a favorable schedule spot. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton are all listed as probable for Milwaukee. Orlando will be without Gary Harris, and Jalen Suggs is expected to remain sidelined. Paolo Banchero is reportedly set to return for this game.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Kings podcasts.
Making Sense of This Sacramento Kings Season with Morgan Ragan Matt George is joined by Sacramento Kings television host/analyst & co-host of the Deuce & Mo Podcast Morgan Ragan to discuss the ups and downs of this Kings season, the incoming trade deadline, and how postseason expectations have/haven’t changed.
The Sacramento Kings are Exploring Trading De’Aaron Fox Matt George reacts to the breaking news that the Sacramento Kings have had trade conversations involving De’Aaron Fox and that Fox has a preferred destination in mind.
De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis Silence the Critics in Brooklyn Matt George discusses De’Aaron Fox’s bounce-back performance after facing heavy criticism, and another monster triple double for Domantas Sabonis, who continues to be disrespected around the NBA.
