The Sacramento Kings suffered their 28th loss of the season on Sunday at home against the Milwaukee Bucks but unfortunately the losses were not confined to the standings as the Kings also lost two key players to injury on the night. On the court, Giannis Antetokounmpo made his return from injury and put up a dominant performance with 37 points and 11 rebounds against a willing Kings team that put up little resistance to the superstar. Kevin Porter Jr. pitched in with his own double-double with 25 points and 10 assists while Russell Westbrook and Zach Lavine paced the Kings with 21 and 20 points respectively.
Forward Keegan Murray suffered an ankle injury late in the third quarter in the midst of a solid game for the youngster. He had previously missed time with a calf strain and thumb injury so this is yet another ailment in a stop and start season for Murray. Guard Keon Ellis suffered a thumb injury after playing just 5 minutes and was ruled out for the remainder of the night.
These injuries come ahead of a time when the Kings are expected to be movers and shakers in the trade market as they look to further pursue a youth movement on the roster. Murray has not been mentioned in trade rumors as he is seen as a centerpiece of the Kings’ future, but he could always be moved if the price is right and the deal makes sense for all parties.
Ellis on the other hand has been constantly mentioned in trade rumors as teams believe the young guard can be a formidable “3 and D” player on a contender. He has seen his minutes come and go as Doug Christie is still tinkering with his lineups and this injury will do him no favors. The former Alabama star had his best game of the season in late December as he exploded for 21 points in a victory over the Dallas Mavericks just over a week ago.
Opinion is split on the worth of Ellis on the trade market but if he continues to shoot 40% from 3 and plays his hardnosed defense, the Kings should be able to get at least a first round pick in return. Teams like the Golden State Warriors and Lakers have been mentioned as potential destinations for Ellis and the Kings may proceed with caution with his injury to not scuttle any deals before they happen.
