Mike Brown plans to use ‘9-to-10’ players in playoff rotation

Those that were expecting the Sacramento Kings to roll out a limited rotation during the NBA Playoffs will be disappointed come Saturday.

According to Kings head coach Mike Brown, Sacramento will use a nine-to-ten-man rotation during its first-round series against the Golden State Warriors.

“Definitely not an eight-man rotation. We’re not built that way,” Brown said when asked about his rotation plans following Friday’s practice. “We’ll go nine, possibly ten guys.”

The Kings will heavily rely on its starting unit of De’Aaron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Keegan Murray, Harrison Barnes, and Domantas Sabonis, with bench contributors Malik Monk, Davion Mitchell, and Trey Lyles in line to receive plenty of looks in reserve roles.

Beyond those eight, that’s where the questions begin.

Brown opted to give defensive wing Kessler Edwards and extended look during the final stretch, as the recently-acquired forward averaged 16.3 minutes per game over the final 17 games of the season.

If the Kings, who have infamously struggled on the defensive end this season, are in need of more defensive contributions against the dangerous Warriors, Edwards is a solid guess for being part of the rotation.

While backup center Alex Len was the team’s primary backup five during the final weeks of the season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Sacramento match Golden State’s small-ball lineups that see Draymond Green at the center position. Sabonis and Kevon Looney will battle it out for most of the night, but Lyles could be Sacramento’s backup center come Game 1.

As for a potential 10th player in the rotation, there are multiple options to consider.

If the Kings are in need of an offensive spark for five-to-ten minutes, Terence Davis could be an option. If Sacramento is getting killed on the glass, that’s where bringing Len in makes sense.

The playoffs are here and these are the questions that will be answered less than 48 hours from now when the Kings take the floor at Golden 1 Center for their first playoff appearance in 17 years.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Schedule

NBA Western Conference Playoffs – First Round

• Saturday, April 15th – Game 1: Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors – 5:30 PM PST
• Monday, April 17th – Game 2: Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors – 7:00 PM PST
• Thursday, April 20th – Game 3: Sacramento Kings @ Golden State Warriors – 7:00 PM PST
• Sunday, April 23rd – Game 4: Sacramento Kings @ Golden State Warriors – 12:30 PM PST
• Wednesday, April 26th – Game 5**: Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors – TBD
• Friday, April 28th – Game 6**: Sacramento Kings @ Golden State Warriors – TBD
• Sunday, April 30th – Game 7**: Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors – TBD

**If necessary

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