The Sacramento Kings are gearing up to face the Atlanta Hawks tonight at the Golden 1 Center, but there’s a big question hanging over this matchup: will Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan play? Both stars have been dealing with injuries, and their status could have a major impact on the game. With the Kings holding an 8-6 record and the Hawks at 6-8, this game could go either way and both teams are facing questions about how they’ll adapt, and the answers will unfold on the court tonight.

Injury Reports

For the Kings, Domantas Sabonis is listed as day-to-day with lower back tightness. He missed Saturday’s 121-117 win against the Jazz, and his availability for tonight is still uncertain. Forward DeMar DeRozan has been ruled out due to back issues that kept him out for the past two games. Malik Monk is also ruled out as he was “diagnosed with a moderate right ankle sprain” Monday and will be unavailable for two weeks.

The Atlanta Hawks are also navigating injuries to key players. Rookie guard Kobe Bufkin has been ruled out with a shoulder injury. Additionally, forward De’Andre Hunter, who has been an important two-way player, is sidelined with a right knee injury he suffered on November 17. Bogdan Bogdanovic, Cody Zeller, and Seth Lundy are also out.

Projected Starting Lineups and Depth Charts

Atlanta Hawks Depth Chart

Sacramento Kings Depth Chart

Hawks Look to Capitalize on Kings’ Without Sabonis and DeRozan

Without Sabonis and DeRozan, the Kings will need a team-wide effort to keep things competitive. De’Aaron Fox is having an MVP-caliber season, averaging 28.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, but he can’t do it alone. Players like Keegan Murray and Kevin Huerter will need to step up. Murray has been solid with 13.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, but his shooting has been inconsistent. Huerter, however, could be a key player tonight. He’s shooting 36.4% from three at home and could provide the outside scoring the Kings need. Trey Lyles also played well in their win over the Jazz, adding 17 points. 

On the Hawks’ side, their depth chart shows significant changes with starters Trae Young and Jalen Johnson stepping up. For Atlanta, this is a chance to capitalize on a weakened Kings roster. Young has been excellent this season, averaging 23.8 points and 11.1 assists and Johnson, emerging as a dual threat, with 19.4 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. Atlanta will likely have the upper hand with Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu. 

The Kings average 43.2 rebounds per game, compared to the Hawks’ 43.9. With DeRozan and Sabonis likely out, tonight’s matchup will test both teams’ adaptability. Can Fox step up, or will the Hawks take advantage of their depth and health to secure a win? Can Sacramento defend its home turf, or will Atlanta’s offensive depth prevail?