.jpeg "Kings vs. Celtics gameday: Tatum and Porzingis injuries, Queta’s return, scouting reports")
When the Kings meet the Boston Celtics in a major game on Wednesday at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, the league's greatest players will put the Kings to the test.
The Kings (16-9) are now fourth in the Western Conference, four games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves who lead the conference. They have won eight of the last eleven games and three of the last four.
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Celtics (20-6) 132-126 in overtime on Tuesday after the team had won five straight games. The Milwaukee Bucks and the Celtics are tied for first place in the Eastern Conference, with one game separating them.
The Kings are finishing off a six-game homestand, and this is the beginning of a difficult stretch for Sacramento. On Wednesday, they take on the Celtics; on Friday, they play the Phoenix Suns; and on Saturday, they play the Timberwolves.
"These next three games will be difficult for us," Kings center Domantas Sabonis stated. "Hopefully, everyone is in good form and rhythm. We're going to have to engage in combat outside. They won't be simple at all.
After missing one game due to a shoulder injury, Kings point guard De'Aaron Fox made his comeback on Monday, scoring 30 points as the team defeated the Washington Wizards 143-131. Sabonis finished with 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists to achieve a triple-double.
Due to their Tuesday game against the Warriors, the Celtics will not provide an injury report until Wednesday. However, center Kristaps Porzingis (calf) and center Luke Kornet (adductor) were ruled out of their matchup with Golden State. After hurting his left ankle during the first quarter of the game, Jayson Tatum left the game but came back to play 41 minutes, scoring 15 points on 5 of 17 shots.
Al Horford might start at center against the Kings if Porzingis is sidelined, but the Celtics have been sitting Horford in back-to-back scenarios. Neemias Queta, a former big man for the Kings, may see a lot of action whether or not Porzingis returns. Throughout her six appearances for the Celtics, Queta has averaged 14.3 minutes per game, 4.7 points, and 5.5 rebounds. Against the Warriors, he recorded season highs of 10 points and 10 rebounds in 21 minutes.
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