Sacramento Kings DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (shoulder) is currently dealing with an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder and has officially received a questionable tag for Friday night. The star guard has yet to miss a game this year and has played a huge part in guiding the Bulls to a 3-2 record so far. He's averaging 23.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 3.4 threes, and 4.0 turnovers per game. If LaVine can't suit up, Ayo Dosunmu would see the biggest increase in opportunities while Coby White would take on more of a scoring responsibility.

Chicago Bulls guard/forward Zach LaVine injured his left shoulder in Wednesday's 102-99 victory over Orlando. Speaking after the game, LaVine told reporters that he suffered a "subluxation" in his shoulder. He added that he had X-rays done, and everything was "OK." LaVine played through the injury on Wednesday but finished with only 11 points in 36 minutes. He shot 2-for-9 from the field. On the positive side, LaVine was able to tally his first double-double of the season by grabbing 10 rebounds. The Bulls star also recorded three assists. LaVine didn't seem too concerned about his shoulder injury on Wednesday, but the games are coming thick and fast, and it remains to be seen if he's available for Friday's contest against Brooklyn. Ayo Dosunmu and Dalen Terry should see additional playing time if LaVine lands on the shelf.

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Malik Monk (hand) isn't on the injury report ahead of Thursday's season opener against the Timberwolves. He appears to be good to go for the contest after battling right-hand soreness last week. Monk, who has been among the NBA's top bench scorers in recent years, will begin another campaign as a member of the Kings' second unit. However, he should still get a lot of action and can do big damage once he gets going. Minnesota had no answer to Monk the last time these teams met, as the 26-year-old went off for 39 points off the bench in a 124-120 overtime win.

Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (personal) will be in the lineup on Thursday versus Minnesota. DeRozan sat out Friday's practice for personal reasons but isn't listed on the injury report. This will mark DeRozan's debut with the Kings following a big sign-and-trade deal that brought him to Sacramento in the summer. With De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis next to him, DeRozan's usage rate looks bound to drop in 2024-25, but the presence of two costars should also help him get plenty of good looks.

Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (personal) was not available for Friday's practice. The veteran forward is currently away from the team due to personal reasons. He played 25 minutes during Thursday's preseason contest. He figures to be a significant part of the rotation this season. His absence isn't expected to be long, so DeRozan should be back in time for the season opener on Thursday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Last season, DeRozan averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across 37.8 minutes per game with the Chicago Bulls. The 35-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down and should continue being a viable option for the Kings this season.