The Portland Trail Blazers head to Sacramento for a Western Conference clash against the struggling Kings. Portland, sitting around .500, comes off a back-to-back after facing the Lakers, while the Kings, near the bottom of the standings, look to build on a modest home win streak despite key absences. This matchup features Portland’s depth tested by injuries against Sacramento’s veteran core aiming to capitalize on home court.
Venue Location
Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California. This modern arena, opened in 2016, provides a vibrant atmosphere for the Kings, who have leveraged home energy during their current streak.
Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT local time). The game will be available on NBA League Pass, NBC Sports California, KUNP, and Blazervision. Broadcast details may vary by market.
Injury Report
Both teams are hampered by injuries, with Portland particularly thin in the backcourt and Sacramento missing a key forward. Updates as of morning game day; check for last-minute changes.
| Team | Player | Position | Injury | Status | Expected Return |
| Portland Trail Blazers | Damian Lillard | PG | Achilles Tendon | Out | Indefinite |
| Portland Trail Blazers | Scoot Henderson | G | Hamstring Tear | Out | Indefinite |
| Portland Trail Blazers | Matisse Thybulle | G | Ankle | Out | Indefinite |
| Portland Trail Blazers | Dalano Banton | G | Foot (possibly Wesley? Note: Data varies) | Out | Indefinite |
| Portland Trail Blazers | Deni Avdija | F | Lower Back | Out | Indefinite |
| Portland Trail Blazers | Kris Murray | F | Lumbar Strain/Back | Out | Indefinite |
| Portland Trail Blazers | Robert Williams III | C | Knee | Questionable (GTD) | January 18, 2026 |
| Sacramento Kings | Keegan Murray | PF | Ankle | Out | Late January/Early February 2026 (3-4 weeks) |
| Sacramento Kings | Keon Ellis | G | Left Knee Soreness | Questionable (GTD) | January 18, 2026 |
Portland’s absences leave them without several starters and key reserves, potentially forcing reliance on Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons. Sacramento’s loss of Murray weakens their wing defense and scoring.
Key
Player Matchups
With injuries reshaping lineups, expect these battles to define the game. Portland’s youth versus Sacramento’s experience could lead to a fast-paced affair.
Anfernee Simons (POR) vs. De’Aaron Fox (SAC): Simons, Portland’s leading scorer (assuming healthy), faces Fox’s speed and scoring (around 25 PPG). This guard matchup could explode if both push the tempo.
Shaedon Sharpe (POR) vs. DeMar DeRozan (SAC): Sharpe’s athleticism (21.6 PPG) tests DeRozan’s mid-range mastery (19.1 PPG). With Murray out, DeRozan may shoulder more defensively.
Jerami Grant (POR) vs. Domantas Sabonis (SAC): Grant’s versatility challenges Sabonis’ all-around game
(double-double threat). Portland’s frontcourt depth is thin with Avdija out.
Deandre Ayton (POR) vs. Russell Westbrook (SAC): Ayton’s rebounding battles Westbrook’s energy (15.1 PPG, 7.0 APG, 6.4 RPG). Westbrook’s veteran savvy could disrupt Portland’s interior.
Bench Impact: Portland’s reserves like Toumani Camara step up; Sacramento relies on Malik Monk for sparks, especially if Ellis sits.
Overall, Sacramento’s home vets might edge out Portland’s depleted roster, but Sharpe and Simons could keep it close.
Recent Team Forms
Portland shows flashes but struggles with consistency; Sacramento is in a rut but hot at home.
Portland Trail Blazers Last 10 Games: 5-5 record (estimated). Recent: Win over Lakers 132-116 (Jan 17/18, international report). They’ve won 7 of last 8 night games per trends, but injuries mount. Last five: Mixed, with defensive issues allowing high scores.
Sacramento Kings Last 10 Games: 3-7 record (estimated). They’ve won 4 straight at home but lost 4 of last 5 as home favorites after a win. Last five: 3-2 overall, 4-1 ATS. Struggling overall but building momentum.
Series History
Portland holds a commanding all-time edge: 145-90 in regular season. Recent meetings are split, with Portland winning 7 of last 10 in some trends, but Sacramento took the last matchup 121-82 (Apr 14, 2024). In 2023-24: Portland won at home 130-113 (Dec 26, 2023). At Golden 1 Center, Portland has had success, but Sacramento’s home streak could shift dynamics. No meetings yet this season.
Betting Trends
Spread: Kings -2.5 (-110), Trail Blazers +2.5 (-110). Sacramento is 11-1 ATS in wins this season, 2-2 as favorites. Portland is 1-21 ATS in losses (most by >2 points).
Total (O/U): 228.5 (-110 both). Kings games trend under recently; Portland’s often high-scoring.
Recent ATS Trends: Kings 4-1 ATS last 5; Portland strong as underdogs but vulnerable on back-to-backs. Overall: Kings 7-13 ATS on road, but solid at home.
Other Notes: Portland 7-8 in last 15 night games; Kings lost 4 of 5 as home favorites post-win. Line stable despite injuries.
Game Odds
Portland Trail Blazers 228.5
Sacramento Kings – 2.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 17, 2026
