The Sacramento Kings spilled a 2-0 lead against the defending champions Golden State Warriors in the opening round of the Western Conference Playoffs. After failing just one point short in Game 4, now the series goes back to Sacramento Kings for Game 5, with both teams having two wins.
It seemed like the Warriors were in real trouble, as the Kings were the better team for most of Game 4. The Kings had the last shot in the game, but former Warrior’ Harrison Barnes missed an open three to win the game for the Kings. Now the series is tied at 2 and that is not the only problem for the Kings. Their best scorer De’Aaron Fox ended up with a fractured finger from Game 4, and that may change everything in this series.
Photo by Icon Sport
What’s Fox’s Injury Status Ahead of Game 5 of the Series?
De’Aaron Fox is listed as doubtful for Game 5 tonight so the question is Fox still injured will be answered when game time arrives. The X-rays showed that the top of Fox’s index finger is broken so technically, he can play through that injury. There is no doubt that he want to, but still he needs to have a clearance from the medical staff. The Kings fans are wondering is Fox playing tonight but they will probably not know the answer before the starting lineups are called out.
Fox went through a practice after the injury, and he had no issues dribbling and passing the ball with the only question being can he really shoot and deal with the pain while playing. The swelling of the finger has decreased since the injury and that is a positive sign as game time comes close.
Can the Kings handle the Warriors without Fox?
De’Aaron Fox has been the best player on the Kings this season. He averaged 25 points and 6.1 assists per game during the regular season and currently is at 31.5 points and 7 assists per game in the series against the Warriors. He won the most clutch player award this season which speaks enough on his importance for the Kings.
If Fox is unable to play tonight, Mike Brown will start Malik Monk on his place despite the fact that he is more of a shooter. Monk is a good defender that can be aggressive on Curry and will share the minutes on the point guard position with Davion Mitchell.
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