Date: Friday, November 28

Time: 9:40 PM EST

Spread: Jazz -1.5

Total: 240.5

Kings Travel to Utah for Tournament Showdown Amidst Major Injury Concerns

The Sacramento Kings will face the Utah Jazz in a crucial NBA cup matchup on Friday night, but they may be doing so without their All-Star center. The Jazz enter the contest as slight home favorites, looking to take advantage of a potentially shorthanded Kings roster.

Sacramento Kings Outlook

The biggest story for the Kings is the devastating injury news surrounding Domantas Sabonis. Reports indicate Sabonis has been diagnosed with a partially torn meniscus in his left knee and is facing an evaluation in 3-to-4 weeks, making his absence for this game almost certain. Losing their primary rebounder, playmaker, and interior scorer is a massive blow that will force a complete offensive recalibration.

To make matters worse, guard Dennis Schroder was ruled out of a game on November 21 with a hip issue, leaving his status for Friday’s contest in doubt.

The offensive burden will now fall squarely on the shoulders of veteran forward DeMar DeRozan, who has been a bright spot for Sacramento, recently dropping 33 points in a game. Without Sabonis to facilitate from the high post, expect DeRozan to be the primary creator and scorer for the Kings. Sacramento’s ability to stay competitive will hinge on whether DeRozan can have a monumental performance to make up for the team’s significant losses.

Utah Jazz Outlook

The Jazz are dealing with their own injury issues but appear to be in better shape heading into this matchup. While a November 11 report listed Walker Kessler (shoulder), Taylor Hendricks (hamstring), and Kyle Anderson (back) as out, the focus will be on their star forward, Lauri Markkanen. Markkanen appears to be healthy and is the centerpiece of the Jazz offense. Sportsbooks have even set his point prop at a high number, anticipating a big scoring night against a Kings team missing its best interior defender.

The Jazz are hoping to get some depth pieces back, but the absence of shot-blocker Walker Kessler could make them vulnerable in the paint. Still, playing at home with their number one option ready to go gives them a distinct advantage.

Prediction

This game comes down to which team can better withstand its injuries. The loss of Domantas Sabonis for the Kings is simply more impactful than the Jazz’s current list of ailments. Sabonis is the engine that makes the Kings’ offense run, and his absence on both ends of the floor cannot be overstated.

While DeMar DeRozan is a capable scorer, it’s a tall order to ask him to carry the team past a solid opponent on the road. With Lauri Markkanen healthy and poised for a big game, the Jazz are in a prime position to control the contest from their home floor. The spread is a meager -1.5, which feels like a bargain given the crippling injury to Sacramento’s best player.

Final Pick: Utah Jazz -1.5

Sources:
Sacramento Kings Injury Status – ESPN
Sacramento Kings Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBS Sports
Kings Injury Report | Sacramento Kings
Kings Injury Report For Tonight’s Game VS Celtics : r/kings
OKC Thunder vs. Sacramento Kings Injury Report
Kings Injury Report VS Thunder : r/kings
Denver Nuggets vs Sacramento Kings Injury Report
Warriors vs. Kings injury report: Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler III out …
Sacramento Kings Injury Status – ESPN (AU)
Sacramento Kings Injury Status – ESPN (UK)