Venue: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
Broadcast: NBC Sports California, Rip City TV, NBA League Pass
The Sacramento Kings (6-20) visit the Portland Trail Blazers (10-16) in a Western Conference matchup featuring two teams searching for consistency in a difficult season. Sacramento continues to struggle with defensive issues and inconsistency despite flashes from their core, while Portland has shown recent improvement at home behind emerging young talent and veteran contributions. This is the third meeting of the 2025-26 season (series tied 1-1 after Portland’s 118-112 road win on Nov 20 and Sacramento’s 125-119 home victory on Dec 5), with the Trail Blazers favored to take the season series lead on home court.
Injury Report (As of Thursday Afternoon – Subject to Game-Time Decisions)
Sacramento Kings:
De’Aaron Fox (right ankle sprain): Questionable – Limited participation in shootaround; major swing for Kings’ offense if downgraded.
Domantas Sabonis (left knee soreness): Probable – Expected to play through minor issue.
Malik Monk (hamstring tightness): Out
Kevin Huerter (shoulder contusion): Out
Depth impacted; Keegan Murray, DeMar DeRozan (if still on roster in this timeline), and Zach LaVine carrying heavier loads.
Portland Trail Blazers:
Anfernee Simons (right wrist sprain): Probable – Trending positive after full practice.
Shaedon Sharpe (adductor strain): Questionable
Jerami Grant (back spasms): Probable
Deandre Ayton (illness): Probable
Scoot Henderson and Toumani Camara expected full go; rookie contributions key if Sharpe sits.
Both teams relatively healthy in core areas, but Kings’ backcourt depth thinner without Monk/Huerter; Fox’s status critical for pace.
Key Player Matchups
De’Aaron Fox (if active) vs. Scoot Henderson: Fox’s speed and scoring (26 PPG when healthy) tests Henderson’s developing defense; Scoot’s playmaking (8 APG recently) counters with transition push.
Domantas Sabonis vs. Deandre Ayton: All-Star big battle—Sabonis’ triple-double threat (~18 PPG/12 RPG/8 APG) vs. Ayton’s rim protection and rebounding; paint scoring and second-chance points pivotal.
Keegan Murray vs. Jerami Grant/Toumani Camara: Murray’s spacing and improved defense (~18 PPG, 40% 3PT) vs. Grant’s veteran scoring or Camara’s athleticism—wing versatility key.
Malik Monk (out) replacement (Trey Lyles or rookie) vs. Blazers Bench: Portland’s depth (Denny Avdija, Dalano Banton) exploits Kings’ limited reserves.
Rebounding/Transition: Blazers strong at home on glass; Kings vulnerable without full health—fast-break points could decide.
Game likely mid-tempo with emphasis on interior play; three-point volume from both sides if guards healthy.
Team Records and Standings Context
Sacramento Kings: 6-20 (Last in Western Conference). Major disappointment after playoff expectations; defensive woes prominent.
Portland Trail Blazers: 10-16 (12th Western Conference). Rebuilding with positive youth development; competitive at home.
Recent Team Form
Kings: Lost 8 of last 10, including 122-108 defeat at Golden State (Dec 16). Offense inconsistent without rhythm; defense allowing 120+ PPG during skid.
Blazers: 5-5 in last 10, with recent home wins including 115-110 over Minnesota (Dec 14). Improved defense and transition play; youth stepping up.
Portland entering with home momentum; Kings desperate to avoid further slide.
Series History
All-Time Regular Season: Kings lead 128-112.
Recent (Last 10): Split 5-5; often high-scoring.
2025-26 Season: Tied 1-1 (Portland 118-112 road win; Kings 125-119 home win – combined high points in both).
At Moda Center: Blazers won 6 of last 10 vs. Kings; average margin close.
Betting Trends
Blazers solid ATS at home (7-5); Kings poor as road dogs.
Overs hitting in Kings games lately; mixed for Portland but trending up at home.
Value seen in Portland covering but over for pace.
Game Odds
Sacramento Kings 238.5
Portland trail Blazers – 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, December 17, 2025
