The Kings broke the losing streak at Dallas, but tonight's opponent has beaten them twice already. After seven games, the defense is still the problem that decides the season.
Last season
Sacramento went 22-60 and ranked 28th of 30 in net rating, with the defense also 28th. Doug Christie's job this year is to show that was a bottom and not the new normal. Seven games in, the evidence is thin and mostly unkind.
Oct. 5 and Oct. 8
The Lakers beat the Kings 127-103, then 114-110. The second was a four-point game, which is the one useful detail for tonight. Los Angeles arrives 6-2 with a two-game streak and scores 121.9 points per 100 possessions, a pace of 100.8 against Sacramento's 103.4.
Oct. 29 to Nov. 2
Two road losses, 132-120 at New Orleans and 136-105 at Memphis, preceded the 115-100 win at Dallas. Darius Acuff Jr. had 25 points and six assists there. Across seven games, the Kings score 106.8 per 100 possessions and give up 120.0. That 13.2-point gap is why one win changes the standings more than the picture.
Tonight
Luka Doncic averages 38.3 points in seven games, and ESPN noted his 42-point game on Tuesday. Precious Achiuwa is day-to-day with an ankle injury and an estimated return of today. Sacramento sits 14th, 2.5 games behind Denver for 10th and four behind San Antonio for sixth.
Nov. 10
Keegan Murray and Maxime Raynaud are both estimated back on Nov. 10, with Ben Simmons out far longer. By our count, the Kings have lost 1,072 minutes to injury since opening night, seventh most of 30 teams. Until the big men return, Sabonis carries the paint.
When do the Kings play the Lakers?
Tonight, Nov. 4, in Sacramento. The Lakers are 6-2 and the Kings are 1-6.
Where are the Kings in the West standings?
They are 14th at 1-6, 2.5 games behind 10th-place Denver and four behind sixth-place San Antonio.
