The Sacramento Kings take on the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night in a nationally televised, highly anticipated matchup. The Celtics are on the second leg of a back-to-back after losing to the Golden State Warriors in an overtime thriller on Tuesday. The Kings will have the rest advantage, but will they get the best of the most talented team in the league?
The Celtics will be short-handed, with superstar Jayson Tatum sidelined after suffering an ankle sprain in Tuesday's matchup against Golden State. Without Tatum, the Celtics are still dangerous, but the Kings might have the upper hand as they host a talented Boston squad without their leader.
Kings-Celtics Injury Report 12/20
Kings:
G Malik Monk - QUESTIONABLE (foot)
C Alex Len - OUT (ankle)
Celtics:
F Jayson Tatum - OUT (ankle)
C Al Horford - OUT (rest)
C Luke Kornet - OUT (thigh)
With Tatum ruled out, the Celtics will turn to Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday to step up offensively, as they are both used to playing second fiddle.
After shipping away Robert Williams III in the off-season, the Celtics center depth has taken a hit. With Horford and Kornet sidelined for Wednesday's matchup, the Celtics must rely on former King Neemias Queta to play significant backup center minutes against his old team.
While he is not the superstar Tatum is, Monk is a valuable piece to the Kings' success. Dealing with right foot irritation, the Sixth Man of the Year candidate might be sidelined for Wednesday's action, creating a massive hole in Sacramento's guard depth.
Monk has been active for all 25 games this season, as the Kings are unsure what their second unit will look like if their trusty backup guard is out. With Kevin Huerter amid a significant cold streak, the sharpshooter must pull it together with Monk possibly sidelined.
Despite both teams being banged up, fans will be in for a treat as the Kings host Boston. The long-awaited matchup tips off at 7 P.M. PT/10 P.M. ET on NBA TV.
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