NBA New Year’s resolutions
We’re handing out New Year’s resolutions for teams and players across the NBA.
The Sacramento Kings are taking a trip to southern California to take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Dec. 28 at 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT).
The Kings just nabbed just their eighth win of the season on Dec. 27, getting the best of the Dallas Mavericks, 113-107 behind 21 points and nine assists from 18-year veteran Russell Westbrook. Keon Ellis matched him with 21 points.
Sacramento (8-23) remains near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, currently in 14th, a game in front of the last-place New Orleans Pelicans.
The Lakers (19-10) come into the game following their loss on Christmas Day to the Houston Rockets, 119-96.
Here’s what you need to know about Sunday’s matchup between the Lakers and Kings.
Kings keys to victoryFrustrate their stars: Sacramento has played scrappy, stifling defense. It’s what helped them in their win against Dallas and a big win against Houston on Dec. 21. Keep that same pressure on Lakers stars Luka Dončić and LeBron James and make them uncomfortable.Lean on youth for energy: In the second night of a back-to-back, the Kings should rely on their rookies and young guys to provide energy early and often throughout the game. Look for guys like Keon Ellis, Maxime Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell and Nique Clifford to spark fire.Defend without fouling: As energetic and up-tempo as the Kings are, it’s important to defend without fouling as the Lakers are third in the league in free throws made and second in free throws attempted.Homecoming, revenge tour: It’s a homecoming for Los Angeles natives Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan. There’s nothing like home cooking. Plus, whenever Westbrook plays his former team or teammates, it feels personal.Kings injury report
Here’s the injury report for the Sacramento Kings: Keegan Murray (mild calf strain), Zach LaVine (left ankle sprain), Drew Eubanks (left thumb avulsion fracture) and Domantas Sabonis (left knee soreness) are all out versus the Lakers.
Devin Carter, who has a left ankle sprain, is expected to return against the Lakers. He missed the Dec. 27 game against the Mavericks.
How to watch Lakers vs. Kings: TV channel, live streamStart time: 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT)Location: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles, California)TV Channel: NBC Sports Bay Area; Spectrum SportsNetLive stream: NBA League Pass; Fubo; PeacockLakers vs. Kings odds
Odds according to BetMGM as of Sunday morning.
Spread: Lakers by 12.5 (-105)Over/Under: 233.5 (O/U -105)Moneyline: Lakers -650Kings next five gamesDec. 30 at Los Angeles ClippersJan. 1 vs. Boston CelticsJan. 2 at Phoenix SunsJan. 4 vs. Milwaukee BucksJan. 6 vs. Dallas Mavericks