Sacramento Kings All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox is listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to a left knee contusion. This marks the second consecutive game Fox could miss after he sat out against the Denver Nuggets.
Will Fox Play? Crucial Next Games for Kings
Fox’s Absence Significantly Impacts the Kings
Fox averages 27 points per game and missing his offense is a huge blow to the Kings. When he has not played, the Kings are 3-4. Now, the Timberwolves, the current number-one seed in the West, are poised to make that record even worse. Fox gets to the rim with ease and is one of the fastest players in the NBA. He banged knees on Monday night and has been sidelined with a knee contusion. Sources list him as day-to-day but the Kings will take caution with their star. Fortunately, he was able to practice before their last game so he is nearing a return.
Possible Scenarios for Fox
De’Aaron Fox might suit up for the Kings’ upcoming game after taking four days off from the court following his last game. Hopefully, Fox’s injury has healed considerably thanks to the additional recovery time. About the health of their star point guard, the team’s medical staff might still wish to proceed with care.
The Kings have an incentive not to hurry Fox back too soon and run the danger of worsening any situation because it’s still mid-season. Therefore, even if he feels well enough to play, the team might eventually choose to keep him out for one more game out of caution.
De’Aaron Fox could end up missing the next game, in which case the Kings will need to adjust their rotations and starting lineup. In Fox’s absence, Davion Mitchell would probably assume the starting point guard position. Mitchell’s playing time has been somewhat restricted this season, but his minutes as a starter would significantly increase.
In addition, if Fox is out, Malik Monk and Chris Duarte may receive more playing time and duties. This season, both guards have performed well in complementary roles off the bench. However, they might have to increase their output and involvement on both ends of the court in the absence of Fox. He has been a major part of the Kings’ lineup this year, so losing him will require others to fill the void.
Fox’s History Against the Timberwolves
De’Aaron Fox has faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves 22 times throughout his NBA career thus far. In those matchups, the Sacramento Kings hold a less-than-stellar 8-14 record against the Timberwolves. However, Fox himself has managed to put up some impressive statistical performances when facing Minnesota. Over the 22 games he has played against the Timberwolves, Fox has averaged 21.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. So while his team has struggled to find success against the Timberwolves, Fox has excelled individually.
In particular, in the two most recent meetings between the Kings and Timberwolves this 2022–2023 NBA season, Fox stood out. In those two contests, he averaged 31.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game against Minnesota. So the young point guard seems to relish the chance to take on the Timberwolves and has posted some of his best stat lines of the season when facing them.
Last Word on De’Aaron Fox’s Injury
De’Aaron Fox’s availability is crucial for the Kings’ chances against the Western Conference-leading Timberwolves. His presence could be the difference between a win and a loss for Sacramento.
