The Kings have strengthened their position in the Western Conference play-in race, but holding their ground will be difficult as they wrap up a six-game road trip with a tough back-to-back set.
The Kings will face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, before visiting the Detroit Pistons on Monday. They might be missing Keegan Murray, who is experiencing back soreness.
The Kings (37-40) are in a virtual tie for ninth with the Dallas Mavericks. The Kings beat the Charlotte Hornets 125-102 on Friday after losing seven of eight and 11 of 14.
The Cavaliers (62-15) are on the verge of clinching the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a five-game lead over the Boston Celtics. The Cavaliers have won three in a row and six of their last seven.
Here are three things to watch in Sunday’s game.
Sacramento’s injuries
Murray is listed as questionable against the Cavaliers due to back soreness. Jake LaRavia is out with a left thumb bone contusion.
Sacramento will be short on depth at the forward spots if Murray is ruled out along with LaRavia. Murray is averaging 12.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.9 blocks. LaRavia is averaging 6.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists as a key reserve.
Play-in race
Sacramento gained ground on Dallas when the Mavericks suffered a 135-104 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. The Mavericks (.4810) still hold a slight lead over the Kings (.4805) based on percentage points. The Kings will win the tiebreaker if they finish with identical records based on their 3-0 record in the season series.
Dealing with Donovan Mitchell
Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell has a chance to finish in the top five in MVP voting.
Mitchell is averaging 24.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He is shooting 44.3% from the field and 37% from 3-point range on 9.0 attempts per game.
Kings at Cavaliers
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Rocket Arena
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Cavaliers -10.5
Over/under: 236.5
Injury report
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Keegan Murray (back). OUT — Isaiah Crawford (G League); Mason Jones (G League); Jake LaRavia (thumb).
Cavaliers: QUESTIONABLE — Ty Jerome (knee); Dean Wade (illness). OUT — Emoni Bates (G League); Nae’Qwan Tomlin (G League); Luke Travers (G League).
