Preview: Kings seek first win of season vs. Blazers

It’s been a turbulant start to the 2024-25 season for the Sacramento Kings, but a win on Monday night over the Portland Trail Blazers would certainly alleviate some tension.

One game removed from a second-half meltdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Kings (0-2) allowed the Los Angeles Lakers to open up the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game with a 21-0 run–one that proved costly in a 131-127 loss at crypto.com Arena.

Stopping the run has been a problem in each of Sacramento’s first two games, but the good news is that there is still plenty of basketball to be played as Mike Brown’s group looks to hit the ground running this week with a win at home before heading on a four-game road trip.

Two down, 80 to go. Here’s a look at tonight’s Kings vs. Blazers matchup at Golden 1 Center.

5️⃣ is just that guy 🤷 pic.twitter.com/MfjLjQr0q0

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) October 27, 2024

Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers Info

When: 7:00 PM PST

Where: Golden 1 Center  – Sacramento, CA

TV: NBC Sports California, NBA League Pass (for out-of-market viewers)

Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 AM – Coverage starts at 2:00 PM PDT on The Drive Guys

Line: Kings -12.5, O/U 229.5

Tickets: Click here

Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Blazers coverage, beginning at 2:00 PM PST on The Drive Guys before a 7:00 PM PST tip-off from downtown Sacramento.

Defend The 3

Poor three-point defense has been a trait of this Kings team for quite some time.

After finishing last season ranked 29th of 30 teams in three-point defense (38.6%), Sacramento has allowed each of its first two opponents to shoot 40 percent or better from downtown this season, with the Lakers going 14-of-34 (41%) during Saturday’s game.

The Kings are currently ranked 29th in the NBA (again) when it comes to three-point defense, a trend they will like to break tonight agianst a Portland team that holds a 33 percent average (23rd in the league) from deep over three games.

Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons are the players to watch for on Monday, but Sacramento will need to focus on containing the perimeter as a whole in hopes of avoiding a let-down performance against a team that many expect to reside near the bottom of the Western Conference.

“LeBron was kind of LeBron.”

Domas acknowledges the Kings failed to contain LeBron and the Lakers’ offense pic.twitter.com/nvYiDdmts0

— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) October 27, 2024

Hit The Glass

During training camp, Kings head coach Mike Brown told the media that he wanted to emphasize offensive rebounding this season in hopes of boosting second-chance point opprotunies.

Through two games, Sacramento is ranked last in offensive rebounds per game (4.5), last in total rebounds per game (35.0), and 25th in defensive rebounds per game (30.5).

Domantas Sabonis (10.0 rebounds per game) has carried his weight on the boards, but the Kings could use more physicality in that department against the Blazers on Monday night.

Portland is tied for 21st in opponent offensive rebounds per game (13.7), meaning Sabonis and company should circle the paint on shot attempts against a Blazers front line that is currently thin outside of Deandre Ayton.

Feed DeRozan

Through two games, DeMar DeRozan has been a force for the Sacramento Kings’ offense.

The six-time All-Star forward holds averages of 24.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 53 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range over his first two appearances this season.

Sacramento’s offense hasn’t been the issue in its 0-2 start, and DeRozan’s addition to the lineup has loomed large for opposing defenses. Not only has DeRozan scored 20+ points in each game thus far, but he’s also helped take attention off of teammates De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, and Keegan Murray.

DeRozan has been a matchup problem for opponents since, well, over a decade ago, and Sacramento should ride the hot hand agianst the Blazers on Monday night at Golden 1 Center.

Over the past three seasons, DeRozan holds a 4-1 record against Portland while averaging 24.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game on 55 percent shooting from the field and 45 percent from three-point range.

DeMar with a big three 😤 pic.twitter.com/8HwgQpm0xe

— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) October 27, 2024

Stop The Run

As mentioned in the opening portion of this preview, Sacramento has lost its first two games due to late-game runs by Minnesota and Los Angeles, which proved to be the difference in the final scores.

The Timberwolves erased a double-digit deficit with an 11-0 run to end the third quarter last Thursday and won the game by two points. The Lakers opened up the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game with a 21-0 run and won by four. Sacramento can’t repeat that mistake on Monday.

Mike Brown’s rotations have been scrutinized due to his lack of playing time for defensive guard Keon Ellis, who appeared to be in position to open the season as the starting two-guard before Kevin Huerter (shoulder) was cleared before opening night.

Could Brown call on Ellis to help slow opposing offenses that are in the midst of a run? Will we see Ellis get playing time on Monday, regardless?

Either way, the Kings are 0-2 primarily due to their late-game execution on the defensive end. Ellis was a huge part of why Sacramento remained afloat in their postseason chase, and it would make sense to see more of him at a time where the Kings’ defense is thin.

Kings vs. Blazers Injury Report

Sacramento

• Devin Carter – OUT (left shoulder surgery)
• Orlando Robinson – OUT (left MCL sprain)

Portland

• Not yet submitted (playing the second game of a back-to-back)

Sacramento Kings 2024-25 Schedule

Regular Season

• Monday, October 28th – vs. Portland Trail Blazers – 7 pm PDT
• Tuesday, October 29th – @ Utah Jazz – 6 pm PDT
• Friday, November 1st – @ Atlanta Hawks – 4 pm PDT
• Saturday, November 2nd – @ Toronto Raptors – 4:30 PM PDT
• Monday, November 4th – @ Miami Heat – 5:15 pm PST

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