The Kings have a chance to pick up a much-needed win and pad their lead in the Western Conference play-in race when they visit the Washington Wizards on Wednesday at Capital One Arena.
The Kings (36-39) are clinging to 10th in the West with a 1 ½-game lead over the Phoenix Suns for the final play-in spot. They gained a half game when the Suns lost to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday and could gain another half game with a win over the Wizards.
The Wizards (16-59) have the worst record in the Eastern Conference and the second-worst record in the NBA. They have lost three in a row and eight of their last nine.
The Kings handed the Wizards a 123-100 loss on Jan. 19 in Sacramento. Kings center Domantas Sabonis had a big game, putting up 29 points and 18 rebounds while going 12 of 16 from the field and 2 of 3 from 3-point range.
Here are three things to watch in Wednesday’s game.
Sacramento’s 3-point defense
Opposing teams are killing the Kings from the 3-point line.
The Kings are last in the NBA in 3-point percentage defense at 38.6%. They have been even worse while losing six of seven and 10 of 13, allowing opponents to shoot 44% dating back to March 9.
The Wizards are 29th in the NBA in 3-point shooting at 31.5%, but that hasn’t stopped teams from lighting the Kings up from long distance.
Guarding Jordan Poole
Wizards guard Jordan Poole scored 35 points in Monday’s loss to the Miami Heat, going 10 of 17 from the field and 7 of 13 from 3-point range.
Poole is averaging 20.5 points, 4.5 assists and 1.3 steals. Since the All-Star break, he is shooting 46.9% from the field and 40.8% from 3-point range on 8.4 attempts per game.
Washington’s injuries
The Wizards aren’t just bad. They’re also missing key players due to injuries.
Five of Washington’s seven leading scorers have been ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the Kings. That includes Malcolm Brogdon (ankle), Bilal Coulibaly (hamstring), Corey Kispert (thumb), Khris Middleton (knee) and Marcus Smart (finger).
Kings at Wizards
When: 4 p.m.
Where: Capital One Arena
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Kings -12.5
Over/under: 231.5
Injury report
Kings: OUT — Devin Carter (shoulder); Jake LaRavia (thumb).
Wizards: QUESTIONABLE — Colby Jones (G League); JT Thor (G League). OUT — Saddiq Bey (knee); Malcolm Brogdon (ankle); Bilal Coulibaly (hamstring); Kyshawn George (ankle); Corey Kispert (thumb); Khris Middleton (knee); Marcus Smart (finger).
