The Sacramento Kings (12-34) travel to face the Detroit Pistons (32-11) in an Eastern vs. Western Conference matchup. The struggling Kings, mired in a four-game losing streak and sitting near the bottom of the Pacific Division, look to play spoiler against the red-hot Pistons, who lead the Central Division and boast one of the league’s best records. Detroit’s balanced attack and home-court advantage could overwhelm Sacramento’s injury-thinned roster, but the Kings’ star duo might keep it competitive in a potential high-scoring affair.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. This modern venue, with a capacity of approximately 20,332 for basketball, is known for its energetic atmosphere and has been the Pistons’ home since 2017.
Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT)
TV/Streaming: Available on NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Detroit, and NBC Sports California; live streams via ESPN+ and other platforms.
This afternoon tip-off aligns with the NBA’s push for family-friendly scheduling on weekends.
Injury Report
Both teams are managing absences, with the Kings hit harder by key offensive losses. Updates as of January 24, 2026:
Sacramento Kings:
Keegan Murray (F): Out – Left ankle sprain; expected to be reevaluated in 3-4 weeks after a moderate injury sustained earlier in January.
The team is also dealing with minor illnesses affecting depth players, but no other major absences reported.
Detroit Pistons:
Cade Cunningham (G): Probable – Right wrist injury management; expected to play but monitored closely after recent tweaks.
Isaac Jones (G): Out – G League assignment.
Tobias Harris (F), Jalen Duren (C), and Isaiah Stewart (F): Recently returned from hip, ankle, and other issues; all expected to play after full practice participation.
The Kings’ loss of Murray weakens their perimeter shooting, while the Pistons’ near-full health bolsters their frontcourt depth.
Key Player Matchups
This game highlights star guards and interior battles:
De’Aaron Fox (SAC) vs. Cade Cunningham (DET): Fox’s speed and scoring (averaging 26+ PPG) against Cunningham’s all-around game (probable despite wrist management); Cunningham’s size could disrupt Fox’s drives.
Domantas Sabonis (SAC) vs. Jalen Duren (DET): Sabonis’ playmaking and rebounding (double-double machine) vs. Duren’s athleticism and rim protection; expect a physical post matchup.
DeMar DeRozan (SAC) vs. Tobias Harris (DET): Veteran wings; DeRozan’s mid-range mastery against Harris’ versatility and recent return from injury.
Key Bench: Malik Monk (SAC) vs. Ausar Thompson (DET): Explosive guards off the bench; Monk’s scoring punch could exploit Detroit’s second unit if Cunningham rests. Watch for turnovers: Detroit’s top-5 defense could capitalize on Sacramento’s recent sloppy play.
Recent Team Forms
Sacramento Kings (Last 5 Games): 1-4 (Entering on a 4-game losing streak)
Jan 23 vs. CLE: L (Score not detailed, but part of streak)
Jan 20 vs. MIA: L 117-130 (Sabonis return but defense collapsed)
Jan 18 vs. POR: W 128-115 (Broke skid with strong offense vs. WAS, wait mislabel)
Earlier losses to Knicks, etc., showing offensive struggles without Murray. The Kings are 2-8 in their last 10, with a -10 goal differential, hampered by injuries and poor shooting.
Detroit Pistons (Last 5 Games): 4-1
Jan 23 vs. HOU: L 104-111 (Snapped streak despite strong effort)
Jan 21 @ NOP: W 112-104 (Never trailed, fourth straight win at time)
Jan 19 vs. BOS: W (Extended highlights suggest victory)
Jan 7 vs. CHI: W
Jan 5 vs. NYK: W The Pistons are 8-2 in their last 10, with elite defense allowing under 105 PPG in wins.
Series History
In 355 all-time regular-season meetings, the Kings hold a slight 178-177 edge over the Pistons.
Since 2005, Detroit leads 25-18.
Recent trends favor the Pistons: They won the last matchup 136-127 on Dec. 23, 2025, and have taken 3 of the last 4, including a 117-127 loss to Kings on Apr. 7, 2025.
Detroit is 9-11 in the last 20 overall.
Betting Trends
Over has hit in 47.8% of Kings games this season.
Pistons are 4-1 in last 5 games and 10-9 ATS on the road (but home here); Kings are 1-4 in last 5 and have won only 21.4% as underdogs. Head-to-head: Pistons 3-1 ATS in last 4 meetings.
Game Odds
Sacramento Kings 225.5
Detroit Pistons – 14.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 24, 2026
