SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to snap a two-game funk as they face the Sacramento Kings today – Wednesday, March 19 – at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. This game is broadcast live on FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, with tipoff scheduled for 10 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Pacific).
The Cavs (56-12) are currently tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the best record in the NBA, but they are coming off a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, which ended their impressive 16-game winning streak. Cleveland fell to the Clippers 132-119 on March 18, showing vulnerability against the boards, allowing center Ivica Zubac to grab 20 rebounds, contributing to a 49-29 rebounding advantage for the Clippers.
Despite their recent struggles, the Cavaliers maintain a 6.5-game lead over the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference standings. However, they will be without star guard Darius Garland due to rest and recovery, which limits their offensive options. Garland has been pivotal for Cleveland, averaging 20.9 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.7 rebounds, all while shooting an impressive 47.6% from the field, including 40.7% from beyond the arc.
Franchise centerpiece Donovan Mitchell, who averages 24.1 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds, must step up in Garland's absence. Mitchell's shooting efficiency is key to keeping the Cavs competitive, shooting 44.5% overall and 37.8% from three-point territory. Rising power forward Evan Mobley, averaging 18.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, is also crucial, bringing a solid shooting percentage of 56.6% from the floor and 36.5% from range.
In contrast, the Sacramento Kings (34-33) are seeded ninth in the Western Conference and are also facing their share of challenges. After a much-needed victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, where they won 133-122, the Kings aim to build momentum. However, they will have to do so without their star center, Domantas Sabonis, who is sidelined for at least the next ten days due to a right ankle sprain sustained in the win over Memphis.
Sabonis has been a standout player, averaging 19.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, while shooting 59.3% from the field and 42.5% from deep. His absence is significant as the Kings have struggled without him, posting a 3-6 record in his previous nine games out. Meanwhile, small forward DeMar DeRozan continues to lead the Kings’ offense with 22.2 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.0 rebounds, while shooting 48.6% overall and 35.6% from the three-point line.
The Kings' recent form, characterized by a split in their last ten games, highlights their potential yet inconsistent play. A key matchup looms tonight as both teams aim to bolster their standings and secure a notable win to either break a losing streak or maintain momentum.
In terms of lineup notes, the injury reports for both teams have buffed heads for this important game. For the Kings, along with Sabonis, Isaiah Crawford and Mason Jones are also out as both are assigned to the G League. Jake LaRavia is questionable due to an illness, while Zach LaVine is out for personal reasons.
For the Cavaliers, besides Garland who is resting, Emoni Bates, Nae'Qwan Tomlin, and Luke Travers are listed as out due to G League assignments.
With both teams missing key players, the matchup promises to be an interesting battle of depth and strategy. The Kings and Cavaliers are well-acquainted, slated to meet again at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 6, 2025.
As the game approaches, Sacramento fans can take heart that their team is ready to face off against one of the best teams in the NBA, hoping to exploit any vulnerabilities shown by the Cavaliers in their previous match. Will Sacramento seize this opportunity against a tired opponent battling their own shortcomings? Only time will tell as both squads prepare for a showdown in pivotal March action.
