As the NBA Play-In Tournament heats up, the Sacramento Kings prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks in a crucial showdown on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The matchup will take place at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, where the stakes couldn't be higher for both teams. The winner will advance to play the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday for the coveted eighth seed in the playoffs, while the loser will face a long offseason ahead.
The Kings enter this do-or-die contest as 4.5-point favorites, with a Moneyline of -192 on DraftKings Sportsbook. Meanwhile, the Mavericks are positioned at +160 on the Moneyline, with the game total set at 213. Both teams have faced significant challenges this season, including major roster changes that have reshaped their identities.
DeMar DeRozan, the Kings' veteran forward, is set to play and is expected to be a pivotal player in this matchup. In his 15th NBA season, DeRozan has averaged 22.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. Notably, he has shown an impressive performance against the Mavericks this season, averaging 25.3 points on 58% shooting from the field and 50% from three-point range in their three previous meetings. His standout performance came on February 10, when he dropped 42 points against Dallas.
However, the Kings will be without Malik Monk, who is sidelined with a calf injury, and Jake LaRavia, who has a thumb issue. This absence puts additional pressure on DeRozan and fellow star Zach LaVine to deliver big performances. DeRozan's role has evolved throughout the season, particularly since the midseason trade that saw the departure of De'Aaron Fox. His assist numbers have increased as he takes on more playmaking responsibilities, averaging 5.7 assists per game since the All-Star break.
On the other side of the court, the Mavericks will also be looking to turn their fortunes around after a disappointing season. Once a contender that reached the NBA Finals last year, Dallas now finds itself on the brink of elimination as the tenth seed in the Western Conference. The departure of Luka Doncic, traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, has left a significant void. Kyrie Irving is also out for the season with a torn ACL, further complicating the Mavericks' playoff hopes.
Despite these challenges, the Mavericks have welcomed Anthony Davis into their lineup following the Doncic trade. Although he struggled with injuries early on, Davis is now back and expected to play a crucial role in this matchup. His presence provides Dallas with a formidable frontcourt option, which the Kings will need to counter effectively.
In their previous meetings this season, the Kings managed to sweep the Mavericks 3-0, but each game was played under different circumstances. Notably, the Kings faced a shorthanded Mavericks team in those matchups, as neither Davis nor Dereck Lively were available for any of those games. This time, both players are expected to be on the court, adding a new dynamic to the rivalry.
As the teams prepare for battle, the Kings' ability to exploit the Mavericks' defensive weaknesses will be key. Dallas has struggled defensively, ranking 20th in opponent points allowed this season. While the Mavericks have emphasized that defense wins championships, their metrics suggest a decline compared to last year. The Kings, however, have not been a high-volume three-point shooting team, ranking 24th in attempts. DeRozan's ability to stretch the floor will be crucial, especially given that he has connected on over 1.5 made three-pointers in seven of his last 17 games.
The Kings will look to leverage their home-court advantage, with a passionate crowd expected to support them. The energy in the arena could be a significant factor as they aim to replicate last year's success in the Play-In game, where they emerged victorious at home.
With the playoff atmosphere and intensity ramping up, both teams will need to rely on their supporting casts to step up. Last season, the Kings saw key contributions from players like Keon Ellis and Keegan Murray, who both had significant impacts in their playoff run. This time around, the Kings will need similar performances from their bench to secure a victory.
The matchup promises to be an exciting clash of styles, with the Kings looking to push the pace and capitalize on their offensive strengths, while the Mavericks will rely on their size and defensive capabilities. As the clock ticks down to tip-off at 7:00 PM PT, fans are left wondering: can the Kings overcome their injuries and secure a spot in the playoffs, or will the Mavericks find a way to salvage their season?
As the teams take the court, all eyes will be on DeMar DeRozan. Will he rise to the occasion and lead the Kings to victory, or will the Mavericks pull off the upset? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the NBA Play-In Tournament is set to deliver another thrilling chapter in the race for playoff glory.
