Two Western Conference squads enjoying winning streaks square off Friday night when the Sacramento Kings host the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Kings have won five straight games, their second-best stretch behind a seven-game streak in November. They are a surprising third in the Western Conference race.
The Thunder have matched a season-long four-game winning streak, with the victories coming by an average of 15.8 points. Oklahoma City is in the mix for a playoff spot during a season in which it was predicted to be one of the worst teams in the conference.
The Thunder’s rise has occurred despite losing No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren to a season-ending foot injury during the summer. But they sit just one game under .500 after winning seven of their past nine games.
The victories include a 150-117 whipping of the defending Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics, a 133-114 rout of the host Philadelphia 76ers and a 112-102 road win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Oklahoma City had many contributors in the win over Indiana, its lone home contest during a seven-game stretch.
Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 points and so did reserve Isaiah Joe, who matched his career highs for points and 3-point baskets (seven). Lu Dort recorded 22 points and a career-best 11 rebounds, and Kenrich Williams had 12 points and a career-high 10 assists.
Sacramento has beaten the Thunder three straight times and six of the past seven.
The Kings produced a 116-111 win over the host Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday and did so without star center Domantas Sabonis.
Sabonis missed the contest with a non-COVID illness and also sat out Thursday’s practice. He could be in danger of missing a second straight game.
Prior to the victory over the Lakers, Sacramento topped 130 points in five straight games.
Against Los Angeles, De’Aaron Fox led the way with 31 points on 13-of-23 shooting and Harrison Barnes added 20.
Kings coach Mike Brown was glad to see such a complete effort without Sabonis on the floor.
Kevin Huerter chipped in 18 points and Richaun Holmes made up for Sabonis’ absence with season bests of 16 points and 11 rebounds.
