Preview: Fox, Mitchell both out for Friday’s Kings vs Cavs matchup

Dec 9, 2022, 9:13 AM | Updated: 3:27 pm

Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox and Donovan Mitchell...

(Getty Images)

BY FRANKIE CARTOSCELLI

Sacramento Kings Beat Writer

Update (3:11 PM PST):

De’Aaron Fox and Terence Davis (back soreness) have both been ruled out of Friday’s game against Cleveland.

Original Story

The Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers could both be shorthanded on Friday night when these two teams face off for the second time this season.

De’Aaron Fox (foot soreness) and Donovan Mitchell (leg soreness) are both listed as questionable leading into tonight’s action at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, meaning that we could see both teams take the floor without their lead guards.

Sacramento (13-10) is hoping to get back into the win column after seeing a three-game losing streak end on Wednesday night in Milwaukee, while Cleveland (16-9) looks to secure its fourth win over the past five games.

Here’s everything that you need to know for tonight’s Kings vs. Cavs matchup:

De'Aaron Fox hasn't looked like himself over the past couple of weeks, and it might be time for him to take a few games off to rest.

Fox's long-term health is essential to Sacramento's success this season, and for once, the team has some depth to get by.https://t.co/RoXFS1409T

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) December 8, 2022

Sacramento Kings vs Cleveland Cavaliers Game Info

When: 4:30 PM PST

Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse – Cleveland, OH

TV: NBC Sports California

Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 AM – Pregame coverage starts at 3:00 PM PST on Game Night

Line: Cavs -5.5, O/U: 222.5

What To Watch For

No Fox, No Problem?

If the Kings are without Fox on Friday, expect second-year guard Davion Mitchell to get the start–and for him to play significant minutes against a talented Cavaliers backcourt.

Mitchell is no stranger to starting, as the Baylor product filled in for Fox last season and did so admirably over 19 appearances. Adding in his single start from earlier this season, Mitchell holds career averages of 17.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game over 20 starts.

Fox has said that he intends to play through his injury, but Sacramento’s offense–and defense, of course–is in good hands with Mitchell filling in.

Can Lighting Strike Twice?

Back on November 9th, the Kings delivered what very well could be the team’s most-impressive win of the young season when they pulled out a 127-120 win over the Cavaliers at Golden 1 Center.

Cleveland’s relentless defense and strong presence in the paint spell trouble for teams across the league, but Sacramento was able to use a balanced effort in which seven players scored 14 points or more while shooting 52 percent from the field and 43 percent from beyond the three-point arc.

Finding the same success on Friday will be a challenge–especially without Fox–as the Cavs enter play with the NBA’s number-one ranked defense:

1st in defensive rating (107.3)
1st in opponent points per game (104.9)
2nd in points in the paint defense (46.0 PTS/G)

Sacramento shouldn’t expect to do tons of damage in the paint with All-Star center Jarrett Allen and sophomore big Evan Mobley patrolling the key. After shooting just 30 percent from thee-point range over the past two games, the Kings will likely need to find a rhythm from beyond the arc if they want a chance at sweeping the season series against Cleveland.

Recent History

Sacramento holds a 6-2 record against Cleveland over the past eight matchups.
The all-time series between these two teams is close as the Kings enter play with a slim 63-61 advantage
Cleveland holds a 10-5 home record vs Sacramento since the 2006-07 season

Injury Report

Sacramento

De’Aaron Fox – OUT (right foot soreness)
Terence Davis – OUT (low back soreness)
Chima Moneke & Neemias Queta are on G-League assignment with the Stockton Kings.

Cleveland