Yahoo Movies Kings-Blazers gameday live: Will Sacramento sit starters after clinching playoff berth?
The Kings haven’t been much of a load management team with all five starters logging at least 68 games so far this season.
They could revisit that subject now that they’ve clinched their first playoff berth since 2006, but at this point they aren’t planning to rest anyone when they complete a two-game set against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Veteran guard Matthew Dellavedova has been ruled out for Friday’s game at Moda Center in Portland due to finger soreness. Keon Ellis and Neemias Queta are away on G League assignments, but everyone else will be available for Sacramento.
The Blazers, on the other hand, could be missing as many as 10 players. Trendon Watford (ankle) is questionable. Ryan Arcidiacono (lumbar) and Cam Reddish (lumbar) are doubtful. Ibou Badji (knee), Jerami Grant (quad), Keon Johnson (finger), Damian Lillard (calf), Jusuf Nurkic (knee), Anfernee Simons (foot) and Justise Winslow (ankle) have all been ruled out.
The Kings (46-30) clinched an automatic playoff berth and homecourt advantage with a 120-80 victory over the Blazers on Wednesday, ending the longest playoff drought in NBA history. They are third in the Western Conference, two games behind the No. 2 Memphis Grizzlies and five games ahead of the No. 4 Phoenix Suns. Sacramento can secure the No. 3 seed and the Pacific Division championship with any combination of two wins or two Phoenix Suns losses.
The Blazers (32-44) have thrown in the towel. They are 13th in the Western Conference, 5 ½ games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the final play-in spot. They will be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss on Friday.
Kings at Blazers
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Moda Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Kings -14.5
Over/under: 231.5
Injury report
Kings: OUT — Matthew Dellavedova (finger); Keon Ellis (G League); Neemias Queta (G League).
Blazers: QUESTIONABLE — Trendon Watford (ankle). DOUBTFUL — Ryan Arcidiacono (lumbar); Cam Reddish (lumbar). OUT — Ibou Badji (knee); Jerami Grant (quad); Keon Johnson (finger); Damian Lillard (calf); Jusuf Nurkic (knee); Anfernee Simons (foot); Justise Winslow (ankle).
Upcoming schedule
March 31 at Portland Trail Blazers
April 2 vs. San Antonio Spurs
April 4 at New Orleans Pelicans
April 5 at Dallas Mavericks
April 7 vs. Golden State Warriors
