With a half-game advantage over the teams chasing them, the Oklahoma City Thunder are still ranked second in the Western Conference. Additionally, they trail the top-ranked Minnesota Timberwolves squad in the Western Conference by just two games.

The Thunder’s game against the Sacramento Kings, who are 15-7 on the

season, could end up being a crucial one for the group. The Kings, who are at 13-9

on the year, just suffered a 20-point setback to the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Kings, who are 7-3 at home, will provide the Thunder with a challenging challenge. The Kings defeated the Thunder 105-98 in their first meeting between the two teams.

Injury Report:

Thunder:

Keyontae Johnson, OUT (G League)

Kings:

Alex Len, OUT (Ankle)

Trey Lyles, Questionable (Illness)

Lu Dort has returned after missing the Thunder’s comfortable victory against the Utah Jazz in their most recent meeting. He’s back now, and his perimeter defense will be very helpful against De’Aaron Fox, who was not there in the team’s previous meeting.

The Kings are gaining Fox’s services this time around, as previously indicated, and don’t lack any important players from their previous meeting with the team.

Updated Odds:

The Kings are 2.5-point favorites over the Thunder. They opened as a 1.5-point favorite, which makes sense considering they won the last matchup between the two teams. Still, the Thunder could capture some incredible momentum.

Since their last game, the Thunder have gained a lot of momentum and have been playing well, thus one would think their offensive output will improve. Nonetheless, the Kings will be able to match the offensive output now that Fox is back in the starting lineup.

 

There are early signs that this game may end in a fast-paced shootout.