Preview: Murray, Banchero Set To Face Off For First Time
Nov 4, 2022, 12:00 PM | Updated: Dec 19, 2022, 11:05 am
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Sacramento Kings will hope to get back into the win column on Saturday afternoon when they face an Orlando Magic team that is fresh off of an impressive win over the Golden State Warriors.
Orlando started the season with five-straight losses, but they have won two of their last four games and will not roll over for the Kings, especially after knocking off the defending NBA champions on Thursday night.
After missing Wednesday night’s game in Miami, Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (knee bone bruise) could make his return to action on Saturday, but the 24-year-old’s status is still up in the air as of Saturday morning.
Here’s everything that you need to know for Kings vs Magic:
Where To Watch & Listen To Kings vs Magic
When: 2:00 PM PST
Where: Amway Center – Orlando, FL
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 AM – Pregame coverage starts at 11:00 am PST on Kings Weekly
What to Watch For
Murray vs Paolo
Paolo Banchero–the first-overall pick from June’s NBA Draft–and Keegan Murray–the fourth-overall pick–will face off for the first time as professionals on Saturday.
During the NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League action in July, the two rookies battled it out in one of the most exciting exhibition games in recent memory. Banchero finished with 23 points, six rebounds, six assists, and four steals, while Murray had 20 points and nine rebounds during Orlando’s slim 94-92 win in sudden-death double overtime.
Banchero, the favorite to bring home Rookie of the Year award honors, is off to a strong start in his NBA career as the Duke product is averaging 21.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 44 percent from the field over nine games.
Murray hold averages of 15.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 48 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the three-point arc.
Notes
- Orlando’s offense currently ranks 25th in offensive rating and 24th in points per game, meaning that Sacramento’s defense should look to turn in a strong night of defense against a team that struggles to score the ball.
- Domantas Sabonis turned in his best performance of the season during Wednesday’s loss as the big man was able to stay out of foul trouble. Let’s see if Sabonis can stay out of trouble once again on Saturday.
- Ball Movement: Sacramento is a top-10 team in the league when it comes to passing the rock. As of November 4th, the Kings’ 27.4 assists per game rank ninth in the league. Last season, the Kings finished the year having averaged 23.7 assists per game (22nd in the NBA).
Recent History
Sacramento swept last year’s two-game set against Orlando to improve to 9-5 against the Magic over their past 14 matchups dating back to the beginning of the 2015-16 season.
The Kings are 9-3 over their past 12 matchups at the Amway Center.
Injury Report
Kings
- De’Aaron Fox – QUESTIONABLE (right knee bone bruise)
According to The Sacramento Bee’s Jason Anderson, Fox was a full participant during Friday’s practice. It’s possible that Fox makes his return to action on Saturday, but the 24-year-old’s status will depend on how he feels in the morning after logging his first full practice since banging knees with Charlotte Hornets forward Nick Richards on Monday night.
Expect more on Fox’s status to come in the hours leading into tip-off on Saturday.
Also out for the Kings: Keon Ellis, Chima Moneke, and Neemias Queta are on assignment with G-League affiliate Stockton
Magic
- Cole Anthony – OUT (oblique tear)
- Markelle Fultz – OUT (toe fracture)
- Gary Harris – OUT (knee injury recovery)
- Jonathan Isaac – OUT (knee injury recovery)
- Moritz Wagner – OUT (foot sprain)
- Terrence Ross – QUESTIONABLE (knee contusion)
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Check out our Sactown Sports Kings Recap Show on the Sactown Sports 1140 YouTube channel!
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Upcoming Sacramento Kings Schedule
Saturday, November 5th – Sacramento Kings @ Orlando Magic – 2:00 PM PST
Monday, November 7th – Sacramento Kings @ Golden State Warriors – 7:00 PM PST
Wednesday, November 9th – Sacramento Kings vs Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:00 PM PST
Friday, November 11th – Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Lakers – 7:30 PM PST
Sunday, November 13th – Sacramento Kings vs Golden State Warriors – 6:00 PM PST
