New York Knicks vs. Sacramento Kings Preview: How, Who to Watch in Royal Visit
The New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings each knew that they had a long, painful road back to the postseason, but things have taken an over-the-top turn.
Both New York and Sacramento are dealing with inopportune injuries at the worst possible as they go into a Thursday night showdown at Madison Square Garden.
While there's perhaps nothing new about the Knicks' injury woes, they were dealt a damning update when a Thursday report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski declared that Julius Randle would undergo season-ending surgery to repair a dislocated shoulder. New York will also continue to be without OG Anunoby while both Josh Hart (wrist) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle) are questionable. The Knicks enter Thursday's game in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind Orlando for fourth but only two up on Indiana to avoid the Play-In. New York has lost three in a row for the first time since the last stages of their pre-All-Star slate, when they lost four consecutive in the midst of injuries and trade-related absences.
Sacramento, on the other hand, is also dealing with the losses Kevin Huerter (shoulder) and Malik Monk (knee), both of whom could miss the Kings' potential playoff trip. The Kings will clinch at least a Play-In spot on Thursday with a win and a Houston loss to Golden State and sit a half-game behind Phoenix for the sixth and final automatic seed. Despite the bad news, the Kings have won four of their past six, including a 109-95 decision over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. Thursday's game marks the start of a four-game road trip for the Kings, who will also venture to Boston, Brooklyn, and Oklahoma City.
This will conclude the annual couple between the Knicks and Kings, with the former taking a 98-91 decision in California's capital last month thanks to 45 points from Jalen Brunson. New York previously swept Sacramento in 2021-22 and will close out its regular season Western Conference slate with Thursday's match. New York has gone 14-15 against Western teams this year, including 8-6 at MSG this year.
What: Sacramento Kings (44-31) @ New York Knicks (44-31)
Where: Madison Square Garde, New York, NY
When/Watch: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Who's Favored: NYK -3.5
Keep An Eye On: Josh Hart
Though listed as questionable for Thursday's game, Hart figures to play a major role in the Knicks' plans moving forward, especially with Randle's season officially over. Hart has risen to the challenge and then some at various points this season, becoming the Randle spell option the Knicks mostly neglected to find last offseason after trading Obi Toppin. Plenty of 40-plus minute nights likely await Hart on the road ahead, especially as the Knicks try to set themselves up in the most perfect playoff spot possible. It'll be interesting to see what he can do against a Sacramento group that still has the triple-double antics of Domantas Sabonis to deal with.
King to Watch: Keon Ellis
WIth Huerter and Monk out, the second-year undrafted man Ellis has been called upon to play major minutes for the Kings. He has been lauded for his defense and has shot decently-enough from the field to earn continued responsibilities, notably posting a pair of games where he has had at least four three-points in his eight starts since the Huerter/Monk reveals. Ellis' rise to power is not unlike that of the Knicks' Miles McBride, a reserve who made a name for himself on defense before expanding upon a larger role due to circumstances beyond his control.
They Said It
"We’re in a decent position but we can’t get comfortable. That has to be our mindset going forward.”-Jalen Brunson on the Knicks' current standng (h/t Peter Botte, New York Post)
Prediction
The Knicks could be a bit shellshocked from the Randle reveal, but at least they know where they stand with their three-time All-Star. But it helps that, as they look to end a dangerous losing streak, they're facing an equally beleaguered Sacramento group that's reeling from its own medical woes. New York has shown to be a team capable of stemming disaster before they get out of hand and there's a golden opportunity to end the Western slate on a high note.
Knicks 104, Kings 101
GEOFF MAGLIOCCHETTI
Editor-In-Chief at All Knicks