The Sacramento Kings are on fire, winning six straight to improve their record on the season to 8-4. They face another big challenge Monday night as the Kings play their first back-to-back game of the season against the New Orleans Pelicans. The 6-7 Pelicans have begun the season moderately, but still have strong players that will pose challenges to a worn Sacramento team amid a six-game road trip.
Injury Report Kings vs. Pelicans 11/20
Kings:
G Kevin Huerter - QUESTIONABLE (finger)
F Sasha Vezenkov - QUESTIONABLE (thumb)
G Keon Ellis - OUT (ankle)
F Trey Lyles - OUT (calf)
C Alex Len - OUT (ankle)
Pelicans:
G CJ McCollum - OUT (chest)
G Trey Murphy III - OUT (knee)
F Matt Ryan - OUT (calf)
F Larry Nance Jr. - OUT (ribs)
Kings' Huerter suffered a finger injury that sent him to the locker room temporarily against the San Antonio Spurs. Huerter returned to finish that game but was sidelined the following game against the Dallas Mavericks and is set to be a game-time decision. G Chris Duarte started in his place against the Mavericks.
Sasha Vezenkov has been a great addition to the Kings, albeit a bit slower start to life in the NBA than some fans would have liked. The EuroLeague star is a game-time decision with a thumb injury. An absence would see a different bench rotation from the Kings, as Vezenkov is often a first-quarter sub.
Keon Ellis sprained his left ankle against the Mavericks and will likely be out for some time. The two-way guard surpassed G Davion Mitchell in the Kings rotation, getting starts when G De'Aaron Fox was out with a similar injury. His absence will see more time from Davion Mitchell, who was inactive via coach's decision for a few games following Ellis' strong play.
Trey Lyles is yet to make his season debut but is set to return soon after being cleared to resume basketball activities last Wednesday. Lyles will provide a boost off the bench for the Kings once he is back.
Alex Len suffered a high ankle sprain against the Cleveland Cavaliers. C JaVale McGee has picked up more minutes in his absence and will continue to do so as Len will miss the next 5-7 weeks.
Pelicans' McCollum suffered a collapsed lung and does not have a set timetable for his return. Rookie G Jordan Hawkins has started in his place since his injury, and will likely continue to do so against the Kings on Monday night.
The game is set to tip off at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.
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