Source: Kings Optimistic About De'Aaron Fox's Availability For Game 5 Against Warriors
UPDATE on 4/25/23 at 4:39 p.m. ET: De'Aaron Fox told reporters he will "most likely" play in Game 5 against the Golden State Warriors.
On Monday, it was announced that Sacramento Kings All-Star guard De'Aaron Fox suffered a fractured index finger in his left shooting hand. Fox apparently fractured the very tip of his left finger late in the fourth quarter of Game 4 against the Golden State Warriors and is listed as doubtful for Game 5 in Sacramento on Wednesday night.
While he still remains doubtful, Fox was seen shooting free-throws at the team's shootaround on Tuesday with a splint in his left index finger and sources told Fastbreak on FanNation that the team is optimistic about their All-Star guard being able to participate in Game 5 against the Warriors.
Fox's availability however depends on his ability to actually handle the ball wearing the protective covering on his finger and if he is able to do so pain-free.
Most recently being named the NBA's Clutch Player of the Year, De'Aaron Fox has been playing some of the best basketball of his career and he has made a statement through his first four career playoff games.
So far in this series against Golden State, Fox is averaging 31.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game while shooting 44.7 percent from the floor and 34.2 percent from three-point range.
It would be impossible for the Kings to replicate Fox's overall production on the offensive-end of the floor, which his why his status for Game 5 could very much decide the outcome of this series.
If Fox is unable to go, the Kings would most likely to turn Malik Monk as a primary option in their backcourt, as well as secondary scorers like Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes and rookie Keegan Murray.
However, without De'Aaron Fox out there as a primary scorer, Sacramento would really need to tighten things up defensively, an area in which they have struggled all year long.
Sacramento finished the regular season ranking 25th in defensive rating and so far in the postseason, they are surrendering an average of 117.3 points per game to Golden State, which is below their 118.1 opponent's points per game average during the regular season, but still relatively high.
De'Aaron Fox's will be monitored closely by the NBA world and the Kings' medical staff leading up to the start of Game 5 on Wednesday night even though he is listed as doubtful to play.
