Sacramento Kings Aim for Playoffs Post-All-Star Break

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings are currently in ninth place in the Western Conference with a record of 28 wins and 27 losses as they approach the final stretch of the NBA season. There are 27 games remaining, and the Kings have a chance to secure a playoff spot as the postseason nears.

In a surprising move before the NBA All-Star break, the Kings traded away star point guard De'Aaron Fox, leaving the team without a traditional point guard. In his absence, Sacramento is turning to Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis to handle ball distribution duties.

Last summer, the Kings selected guard Devin Carter with their first-round pick in the NBA Draft. Carter, who began the season on the injured list, has appeared in 16 games since, averaging 3.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in just under 10 minutes per game. However, he has struggled with his shooting, connecting on only 31.1% of his field-goal attempts.

After a slow start, the Kings decided to send Carter to their G-League affiliate, the Stockton Kings, to gain more experience. Following the All-Star break, he has been recalled to Sacramento and is expected to join the team ahead of their upcoming matchup against the Golden State Warriors.

Carter’s last appearance with the Kings was on February 6 in a loss, where he posted zero points and rebounds, prompting the decision to send him down. With the upcoming two-game homestand against the Warriors and another game this weekend, the Kings look to regain momentum. If they secure victory in both games, they could potentially solidify their position for the eighth seed, especially if the Dallas Mavericks face losses.