Kings, Timberwolves Look to Bounce Back After Tough Losses

The Sacramento Kings have one last chance to salvage their six-game road trip as they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night in Minneapolis.

Sacramento (29-23) has struggled mightily during this stretch, losing four of five, including an ugly 144-110 blowout to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday. That loss led to frustration within the team, with veteran forward DeMar DeRozan questioning their collective effort.

“We didn’t play hard, didn’t compete, got embarrassed, got our (butt) kicked,” DeRozan said. “Whatever the reason, whatever we did or didn’t do, it’s about how we respond from here.”

The Kings, sitting in the middle of the Western Conference playoff race, need to regroup fast. Monday’s game offers a chance to head home on a positive note before a crucial homestand.

Timberwolves Battling Injuries, Seek Stability

Minnesota (34-19) has also hit turbulence, most recently suffering a shocking 105-103 loss to the Washington Wizards, who had lost 16 straight games before Saturday’s upset.

A rash of injuries has hampered the Timberwolves, with top scorers Anthony Edwards (illness) and Julius Randle (groin) sidelined. Edwards’ status remains uncertain for Monday, while Randle is expected to miss more time. Sharpshooter Donte DiVincenzo (toe) is also out, and key reserve Naz Reid left Saturday’s game with a right finger sprain.

Despite the adversity, veteran Joe Ingles remains optimistic.

“The injuries are part of this in the NBA, and we have to figure it out until they’re back,” Ingles said.

Mike Conley echoed that sentiment, acknowledging the challenge of adjusting lineups on the fly.

“We literally hadn’t played with the people who were out there on the court,” Conley said. “Not all year, not all practice, not anything. Roles change. I can shoot more. I can be more aggressive. I need to go to sleep a little bit earlier now.”

With so many key players missing, young guards Rob Dillingham and Jaylen Clark are seeing increased minutes, along with big man Luka Garza.

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Key Matchup: Kings’ Offense vs. Timberwolves’ Adjusted Defense

Sacramento has five players averaging double figures, led by De’Aaron Fox (25.0 PPG). DeRozan (21.5 PPG), Domantas Sabonis (20.8 PPG), Malik Monk (18.0 PPG), and Keegan Murray (12.0 PPG) round out a well-balanced offensive attack.

On the other hand, Minnesota typically relies on its defensive prowess, but missing key personnel could open the door for the Kings to take advantage. Edwards leads the team in scoring (26.6 PPG), with Randle (18.9 PPG) and Reid (13.5 PPG) chipping in when healthy. Jaden McDaniels (10.7 PPG) and Rudy Gobert (10.5 PPG) provide additional support.

Season Series & What’s at Stake

Monday’s contest marks the fourth and final meeting between these teams this season. The Timberwolves hold a 2-1 edge in the season series, but the Kings claimed a 115-104 victory in their last matchup on Nov. 27 in Minneapolis.

Both teams need a win to steady their season. Can Sacramento close its road trip with momentum, or will Minnesota find a way to win despite its depleted roster?