Trail Blazers at Kings · Recap

Fri, Oct 23 · 10:00 PM ETGolden 1 Center

2-0

Final

128–120

0-2

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	T
POR	27	32	44	25	128
SAC	33	31	26	30	120

Largest lead POR 14 pts · 1 lead change · 1 tie · SAC led 51% of the game

Updated 20 h ago · news 33 h ago · box score via ESPN fetched Oct 24, 12:42 AM ET · source status

POR

This game

SAC

47.9% FG (46/96)

Field goals

46.2% FG (42/91)

28.6% 3PT (14/49)

3-pointers

26.7% 3PT (8/30)

73.3% FT (22/30)

Free throws

93.3% FT (28/30)

45 reb 13 off · 32 def

Rebounds

42 reb 10 off · 32 def

10 tov

Turnovers

14 tov

58 pts

Points in the paint

60 pts

All team stats (14)

30 ast

Assists

21 ast

8 stl

Steals

5 stl

5 blk

Blocks

2 blk

10 pts

Points off turnovers

11 pts

13 pts

Fast-break pts

10 pts

21 PF

Fouls

23 PF

14 pts

Largest lead

12 pts

46% of the game

Time led

51% of the game

Team totals from the box score via ESPN; ▲ marks the better side.

Final box score

box score via ESPN · final · fetched Oct 24, 12:42 AM ET

Starters	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Deni Avdija F	39 min	26 pts	8-16 FG	1-5 3PT	9-12 FT	6 reb	6 ast	3 tov	1 stl	0 blk	2 PF	+12 +/-
Damian Lillard G	33 min	19 pts	7-18 FG	2-10 3PT	3-3 FT	5 reb	2 ast	2 tov	2 stl	1 blk	1 PF	+19 +/-
Ja Morant G	27 min	12 pts	5-13 FG	1-6 3PT	1-2 FT	3 reb	7 ast	2 tov	1 stl	0 blk	2 PF	+7 +/-
Toumani Camara F	27 min	19 pts	7-12 FG	5-10 3PT	0-0 FT	3 reb	1 ast	0 tov	2 stl	0 blk	3 PF	-3 +/-
Donovan Clingan C	19 min	8 pts	3-5 FG	0-0 3PT	2-2 FT	10 reb	3 ast	0 tov	0 stl	2 blk	4 PF	+8 +/-
Bench	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Jrue Holiday G	26 min	12 pts	4-10 FG	3-9 3PT	1-2 FT	2 reb	8 ast	0 tov	1 stl	1 blk	1 PF	-1 +/-
Sidy Cissoko G	26 min	15 pts	5-8 FG	2-5 3PT	3-5 FT	7 reb	1 ast	0 tov	1 stl	0 blk	3 PF	+7 +/-
Scoot Henderson G	21 min	4 pts	1-7 FG	0-3 3PT	2-2 FT	1 reb	2 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	5 PF	-1 +/-
Robert Williams III C	18 min	13 pts	6-6 FG	0-0 3PT	1-2 FT	6 reb	0 ast	2 tov	0 stl	1 blk	0 PF	-4 +/-
Vit Krejci G	3 min	0 pts	0-1 FG	0-1 3PT	0-0 FT	2 reb	0 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	-4 +/-
Team		128 pts	46-96 FG	14-49 3PT	22-30 FT	45 reb	30 ast	9 tov	8 stl	5 blk	21 PF

3 did not play: Micah Potter (coach's decision), John Tonje (coach's decision), Yang Hansen (coach's decision)

Starters	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Zach LaVine G	39 min	22 pts	6-15 FG	3-9 3PT	7-7 FT	5 reb	1 ast	3 tov	2 stl	1 blk	1 PF	-2 +/-
Domantas Sabonis F	39 min	27 pts	10-13 FG	1-1 3PT	6-7 FT	19 reb	10 ast	5 tov	0 stl	0 blk	5 PF	-3 +/-
Darius Acuff Jr. G	37 min	33 pts	10-26 FG	2-10 3PT	11-12 FT	2 reb	4 ast	3 tov	0 stl	0 blk	3 PF	-2 +/-
De'Andre Hunter F	26 min	4 pts	2-4 FG	0-1 3PT	0-0 FT	7 reb	1 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	3 PF	+1 +/-
Keegan Murray F	26 min	12 pts	4-9 FG	0-3 3PT	4-4 FT	2 reb	1 ast	1 tov	1 stl	0 blk	3 PF	-3 +/-
Bench	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Precious Achiuwa F	25 min	14 pts	7-11 FG	0-1 3PT	0-0 FT	6 reb	1 ast	1 tov	1 stl	0 blk	2 PF	-14 +/-
Daeqwon Plowden G	20 min	3 pts	1-2 FG	1-2 3PT	0-0 FT	0 reb	0 ast	0 tov	1 stl	1 blk	2 PF	-4 +/-
Emanuel Sharp G	14 min	5 pts	2-5 FG	1-2 3PT	0-0 FT	0 reb	1 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	3 PF	-6 +/-
Malik Monk G	12 min	0 pts	0-6 FG	0-1 3PT	0-0 FT	1 reb	2 ast	1 tov	0 stl	0 blk	1 PF	-6 +/-
Nique Clifford G	2 min	0 pts	0-0 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	0 reb	0 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	-1 +/-
Team		120 pts	42-91 FG	8-30 3PT	28-30 FT	42 reb	21 ast	14 tov	5 stl	2 blk	23 PF

3 did not play: Leaky Black (coach's decision), Alex Karaban (coach's decision), Jonathan Mogbo (coach's decision)

How it went

key plays in our words · scores, lead changes, runs, timeouts and fouls on starters · play-by-play via ESPN

Q1 · POR 27, SAC 33 (POR 27–33 SAC in the period)

11:25FoulShooting foul on Clingan (1 PF)
11:25Free throwSabonis free throw 1 of 2 · SAC 1–0
11:25Free throwSabonis free throw 2 of 2 · SAC 2–0
11:14FoulShooting foul on Acuff Jr. (1 PF)
11:14Free throwMorant free throw 1 of 2 · POR 1–2
11:04FoulPersonal foul on Avdija (1 PF)
10:34BasketMurray cutting layup (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 4–1
10:15FoulLoose-ball foul on Clingan (2 PF)
10:07FoulShooting foul on Morant (1 PF)
10:07Free throwAcuff Jr. free throw 2 of 2 · SAC 5–1
9:473-pointerCamara 3-pt jumper (assist: Morant) · POR 4–5
9:273-pointerLaVine 3-pt step-back jumper · SAC 8–4
9:03FoulShooting foul on Lillard (1 PF)
9:03Free throwMurray free throw 1 of 2 · SAC 9–4
9:03Free throwMurray free throw 2 of 2 · SAC 10–4
8:55FoulPersonal foul on Murray (1 PF)
8:26BasketSabonis driving layup · SAC 12–4
8:13FoulShooting foul on Hunter (1 PF)
8:13Free throwWilliams III free throw 2 of 2 · POR 5–12
7:49BasketWilliams III cutting dunk (assist: Lillard) · POR 7–12
7:32BasketAcuff Jr. pull-up jumper (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 14–7
7:13BasketMurray tip-in · SAC 16–7
6:44BasketSabonis cutting layup (assist: Acuff Jr.) · SAC 18–7
6:31BasketMorant pull-up jumper · POR 9–18
6:14Free throwLaVine free throw 1 of 3 · SAC 19–9
6:14Free throwLaVine free throw 2 of 3 · SAC 20–9
6:14Free throwLaVine free throw 3 of 3 · SAC 21–9
6:01BasketWilliams III alley-oop dunk (assist: Avdija) · POR 11–21
5:27BasketMurray driving floater (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 23–11
5:20BasketCissoko driving layup (assist: Holiday) · POR 13–23
5:01BasketWilliams III running dunk (assist: Morant) · POR 15–23
4:27BasketSabonis driving layup · SAC 25–15
3:56BasketWilliams III cutting dunk (assist: Holiday) · POR 17–25
3:36BasketSabonis driving hook · SAC 27–17
3:003-pointerCissoko 3-pt jumper (assist: Avdija) · POR 20–27
2:32Free throwMurray free throw 1 of 2 · SAC 28–20
2:32Free throwMurray free throw 2 of 2 · SAC 29–20
2:15Free throwHenderson free throw 1 of 2 · POR 21–29
2:15Free throwHenderson free throw 2 of 2 · POR 22–29
1:39BasketLillard driving reverse layup · POR 24–29
47.1 sBasketAchiuwa driving floater · SAC 31–24
30.5 sBasketSharp running dunk (assist: Monk) · SAC 33–24
10.7 sBasketLillard driving floater · POR 26–33
10.7 sFree throwLillard free throw 1 of 1 · POR 27–33
0.0 sPeriodEnd of Q1 · SAC 33, POR 27

Q2 · POR 59, SAC 64 (POR 32–31 SAC in the period)

11:34Free throwAvdija free throw 1 of 2 · POR 28–33
11:34Free throwAvdija free throw 2 of 2 · POR 29–33
11:22Free throwAcuff Jr. free throw 1 of 2 · SAC 34–29
11:22Free throwAcuff Jr. free throw 2 of 2 · SAC 35–29
11:01BasketClingan tip-in · POR 31–35
10:493-pointerSharp 3-pt jumper (assist: Acuff Jr.) · SAC 38–31
9:15BasketWilliams III running dunk (assist: Cissoko) · POR 33–38
8:42BasketHenderson fadeaway jumper · POR 35–38
8:27BasketHunter pull-up jumper · SAC 40–35
8:22Free throwAvdija free throw 1 of 2 · POR 36–40
8:22Free throwAvdija free throw 2 of 2 · POR 37–40
8:11BasketAcuff Jr. pull-up jumper (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 42–37
7:57BasketCissoko tip dunk · POR 39–42
7:40BasketSabonis cutting layup (assist: Acuff Jr.) · SAC 44–39
7:24BasketAvdija driving layup · POR 41–44
7:04BasketLaVine pull-up jumper (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 46–41
6:06Free throwHoliday free throw 2 of 2 · POR 42–46
5:53BasketAcuff Jr. pull-up jumper · SAC 48–42
5:37BasketWilliams III tip-in · POR 44–48
5:33BasketAchiuwa cutting dunk (assist: Murray) · SAC 50–44
5:21BasketHoliday pull-up jumper · POR 46–50
5:07BasketMurray driving floater (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 52–46
4:52Free throwCissoko free throw 2 of 2 · POR 47–52
4:39Free throwAcuff Jr. free throw 1 of 2 · SAC 53–47
4:39Free throwAcuff Jr. free throw 2 of 2 · SAC 54–47
4:243-pointerCissoko 3-pt jumper (assist: Holiday) · POR 50–54
4:113-pointerLaVine 3-pt jumper (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 57–50
3:05Free throwSabonis free throw 1 of 2 · SAC 58–50
2:48BasketAvdija hook shot (assist: Morant) · POR 52–58
2:32BasketSabonis putback layup · SAC 60–52
2:29BasketCissoko cutting layup (assist: Morant) · POR 54–60
2:29Free throwCissoko free throw 1 of 1 · POR 55–60
1:203-pointerLillard 3-pt running jumper (assist: Avdija) · POR 58–60
1:04Free throwLaVine free throw 1 of 2 · SAC 61–58
1:04Free throwLaVine free throw 2 of 2 · SAC 62–58
10.2 sFree throwCissoko free throw 1 of 2 · POR 59–62
0.3 sBasketSabonis tip-in · SAC 64–59
0.0 sPeriodHalftime · SAC 64, POR 59

Q3 · POR 103, SAC 90 (POR 44–26 SAC in the period)

11:173-pointerCamara 3-pt jumper (assist: Clingan) · POR 62–64
10:54BasketMorant running layup · POR 64–64
9:59BasketAvdija driving dunk (assist: Camara) · POR 66–64 lead change
9:39Free throwAvdija free throw 1 of 2 · POR 67–64
9:14BasketCamara running layup · POR 69–64 POR 11–2 run
8:52BasketCamara running dunk (assist: Morant) · POR 71–64
8:233-pointerCamara 3-pt jumper (assist: Lillard) · POR 74–64
8:14BasketLaVine cutting layup (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 66–74 POR 15–2 run
8:00BasketAcuff Jr. running layup · SAC 68–74
8:00Free throwAcuff Jr. free throw 1 of 1 · SAC 69–74
7:50BasketMorant driving layup (assist: Clingan) · POR 76–69
7:35BasketClingan cutting layup (assist: Avdija) · POR 78–69
6:49Free throwAcuff Jr. free throw 1 of 2 · SAC 70–78
6:49Free throwAcuff Jr. free throw 2 of 2 · SAC 71–78
6:413-pointerHoliday 3-pt jumper (assist: Morant) · POR 81–71
6:24BasketAcuff Jr. driving layup · SAC 73–81
6:063-pointerMorant 3-pt jumper (assist: Avdija) · POR 84–73
5:57Free throwSabonis free throw 1 of 2 · SAC 74–84
5:57Free throwSabonis free throw 2 of 2 · SAC 75–84
5:38BasketAcuff Jr. driving floater · SAC 77–84
5:223-pointerAvdija 3-pt jumper (assist: Holiday) · POR 87–77
4:58Free throwAvdija free throw 1 of 2 · POR 88–77
4:47BasketAcuff Jr. pull-up jumper (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 79–88
4:13BasketAchiuwa hook shot · SAC 81–88
3:39BasketAchiuwa running layup (assist: Hunter) · SAC 83–88
3:263-pointerLillard 3-pt jumper (assist: Holiday) · POR 91–83
2:12BasketAchiuwa reverse layup · SAC 85–91
1:543-pointerHoliday 3-pt pull-up jumper · POR 94–85
1:22BasketAvdija driving floater (assist: Henderson) · POR 96–85
1:04BasketAchiuwa floater (assist: Sharp) · SAC 87–96
56.5 sBasketLillard driving reverse layup (assist: Henderson) · POR 98–87
29.4 s3-pointerHoliday 3-pt step-back jumper (assist: Avdija) · POR 101–87 POR 10–2 run
8.5 s3-pointerLaVine 3-pt fadeaway jumper (assist: Monk) · SAC 90–101
1.3 sBasketAvdija driving floater · POR 103–90
0.0 sPeriodEnd of Q3 · POR 103, SAC 90

Q4 · POR 128, SAC 120 (POR 25–30 SAC in the period)

11:05BasketHunter running layup · SAC 92–103
10:14BasketAchiuwa putback layup · SAC 94–103
9:49BasketAvdija driving bank floater · POR 105–94
9:34Free throwLaVine free throw 1 of 1 · SAC 95–105
9:24BasketLaVine pull-up jumper · SAC 97–105
8:31BasketAvdija floater (assist: Clingan) · POR 107–97
8:183-pointerPlowden 3-pt step-back jumper (assist: Sabonis) · SAC 100–107
8:09Free throwLillard free throw 1 of 2 · POR 108–100
8:09Free throwLillard free throw 2 of 2 · POR 109–100
7:42BasketLillard driving layup · POR 111–100
7:29BasketSabonis floater (assist: Acuff Jr.) · SAC 102–111
7:09BasketLillard driving layup (assist: Holiday) · POR 113–102
6:27Free throwAcuff Jr. free throw 1 of 3 · SAC 103–113
6:27Free throwAcuff Jr. free throw 2 of 3 · SAC 104–113
6:27Free throwAcuff Jr. free throw 3 of 3 · SAC 105–113
5:533-pointerAcuff Jr. 3-pt pull-up jumper · SAC 108–113
5:39BasketMorant driving layup (assist: Holiday) · POR 115–108
5:17BasketSabonis putback dunk · SAC 110–115
5:103-pointerCamara 3-pt jumper (assist: Holiday) · POR 118–110
4:513-pointerAcuff Jr. 3-pt jumper (assist: LaVine) · SAC 113–118
4:51Free throwLaVine technical free throw · SAC 114–118
4:51Free throwSabonis free throw 1 of 1 · SAC 115–118
3:473-pointerCamara 3-pt jumper (assist: Morant) · POR 121–115
3:273-pointerSabonis 3-pt jumper (assist: Achiuwa) · SAC 118–121
2:29BasketClingan tip-in · POR 123–118
1:50Free throwClingan free throw 1 of 2 · POR 124–118
1:50Free throwClingan free throw 2 of 2 · POR 125–118
1:27BasketAcuff Jr. layup · SAC 120–125
43.5 sFree throwAvdija free throw 2 of 2 · POR 126–120
28.3 sFree throwAvdija free throw 1 of 2 · POR 127–120
28.3 sFree throwAvdija free throw 2 of 2 · POR 128–120
0.0 sPeriodFinal · POR 128, SAC 120

The game-flow line (win probability): each is a prediction tool, still a work in progress. Turn on Prediction tools to try them. What are prediction tools?

Recap

Blazers used a huge third quarter to beat the Kings

Portland won POR 128, SAC 120, outscoring Sacramento 44 pts to 26 pts in the third quarter to take control. Deni Avdija led with 26 pts, 6 reb and 6 ast, and his late free throws helped close it out. Toumani Camara added 19 pts on 7-12 FG, and Donovan Clingan's tip-in made it POR 123, SAC 117 late.

Sources: Box score via ESPN · Play-by-play via ESPN

Also in the picture (2)

Sabonis posted a triple-double in the loss
Domantas Sabonis finished with 27 pts, 19 reb and 10 ast on 10-13 FG in 39 min. Zach LaVine added 22 pts for the Kings.
Sources: Box score via ESPN
Reported Monk returned from his ankle problem but looked rusty
James Ham reported that Malik Monk, who missed all of preseason and the opener with an ankle problem, came back and was clearly not in rhythm yet. He went 0-for-6 FG in 12 min.
Sources: @James_HamNBA (X)

Recap written Oct 24, 12:50 AM ET by our system from the box score and the posts linked, in our own words. Rumors and opinions are labelled.

Things to watch

set before tip, answered from the box score after

Does De'Andre Hunter start? Yes
James Ham (X): 4. De'Andre Hunter got the start. No one knew the opening night starting lineup until 7pm and when it was released, Hunter was at the three. He came out firing, hitting his first two triples, but then
What happened: Started: 26 min, 4 pts, 7 reb, 1 ast

Before the game: the story

Reported Lillard brings his comeback to Sacramento after a big return

Damian Lillard played his first regular-season game since rejoining Portland, scoring 25 points with six 3s in a rout of Phoenix, ESPN reported. Brian Windhorst's Hoop Collective noted it was his first game in about a year and a half, and the Blazers led 43-12 after one quarter.

Sources: ESPN: “Trail Blazers fans show love for Damian Lillard in return” · Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective “Luka Gets Called Out As Lakers Dominate + Who Made” at 39:09

Also in the picture (3)

Opinion Will Ja Morant keep starting next to Lillard?
Portland started Lillard and Morant together in the opener and went up 21-0, per the Hoop Collective, where one host called it "probably a coaching mistake" driven by politics. Mark Spears had reported Morant would likely come off the bench, and Locked On Blazers' Mike Richman expects him to start.
Sources: Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective “Luka Gets Called Out As Lakers Dominate + Who Made” at 39:47, 40:15 · The Athletic NBA Daily “Wolves Make a Big Statement in Miami + Luka’s Show” at 41:15 · Locked On Blazers “Trail Blazers vs. Suns Season Opener Preview | Bol” at 6:34
Opinion Kings move on without Ben Simmons after Achilles surgery
Ben Simmons is out after surgery to repair a torn right Achilles. On the Hoop Collective, Windhorst's show said his contract became guaranteed because of the injury, leaving the hard-capped Kings unable to cut him. Domantas Sabonis said the team has to move on quickly.
Sources: Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective “Luka Gets Called Out As Lakers Dominate + Who Made” at 46:05 · James Ham (@jameshamnba.bsky.social) on Bluesky · Locked On Kings “Can the Kings create MORE OPPORTUNITIES for Domant” at 6:20 · Ben Simmons status (ESPN)
Opinion Shorthanded Kings lack a backup center and a bench leader
Dylan Cardwell and Maxime Raynaud are both expected to miss at least the first five or six games, according to KHTK's Frankie Cartoscelli. Locked On Kings' James Ham says nobody can run the second unit, and that's where the loss to the Clippers got away. He thinks Malik Monk (ankle) is getting closer.
Sources: Locked On Kings “Can the Kings create MORE OPPORTUNITIES for Domant” at 26:59, 27:30, 29:39 · Locked On Kings “Darius Acuff Jr. STRUGGLES WITH SHOT in season ope” at 30:08 · Dylan Cardwell status (ESPN) · Maxime Raynaud status (ESPN)

Written by our system from the reports, posts and podcasts linked here, in our own words; written Oct 23, 10:56 AM ET, before tip. Rumors and opinions are labelled.

Since the final

posted after the final · newest first · official report, X, Bluesky, RotoWire, ESPN

XSAC33 h ago
Keegan Murray is now officially listed as questionable with right ankle capsulitis. Max Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell and Be Simmons are all out.
@James_HamNBA · View on X
ESPNSACKeegan MurrayDay-to-day34 h ago
Murray is questionable to play Sunday against the Grizzlies due to left ankle capsulitis.
Ankle (return est. 2026-10-25)ESPN · Original ↗also reported by RotoWire, @UnderdogNBA, @James_HamNBA
XSACKeegan MurrayOct 24
Doug Christie said that Keegan Murray had gone to the locker room at some point. He came back out and was ready to play, but it had been a while so he held him out as a precaution.
@James_HamNBA · View on X
XSACMalik MonkAbout an earlier gameOct 24
6. Joined the party...sort of. Malik Monk missed all of preseason and the first game of the season due to an ankle problem. He made his way back out onto the court in game two and he is clearly not in rhythm yet. Monk played 12 minutes and went 0-for-6 from the field.
@James_HamNBA · View on Xalso reported by @UnderdogNBA
XSACDarius Acuff Jr.Oct 24
2. Figured it out. After a tough shooting night in the opener, rookie Darius Acuff Jr. struggled early with his shot. He woke up in the third and started attacking the rim, getting to the line and scoring in bunches. Acuff dropped 22 of his 33 points in the second half. WOW.
@James_HamNBA · View on Xalso reported by @blakemurphy.bsky.social

Injuries at tip

official report Oct 23 · as of tip, Oct 23, 10:00 PM ET

POR Portland Trail Blazers

Started Avdija, Lillard, Morant, Camara, Clingan box score

Branden CarlsonOut
Carlson (concussion) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Sacramento.
Concussion, Concussion (return est. 2026-10-27) · ESPN Oct 22
Chris YoungbloodOut
Youngblood (ankle) is out for Friday's game against the Kings.
Left, Ankle, Soreness (return est. 2026-10-27) · ESPN Oct 22
Shaedon SharpeOut
Sharpe suffered a torn meniscus in his knee and is expected to miss six months, per Shams Charania of ESPN.
Right, Knee, Surgery (return est. 2027-03-02) · ESPN Aug 24

SAC Sacramento Kings

Started LaVine, Sabonis, Acuff Jr., Hunter, Murray box score

Ben SimmonsOut
Simmons underwent successful surgery Tuesday to repair a torn right Achilles tendon, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.
Right, Achilles, Surgery (return est. 2027-10-01) · ESPN Oct 21
Dylan CardwellOut
Cardwell (calf) is expected to miss at least the first five or six games of the regular season, with a longer absence possible, Frankie Cartoscelli of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.
Left, Calf, Strain (return est. 2026-11-02) · ESPN Oct 15
Maxime RaynaudOut
Raynaud (knee) is expected to miss at least the first five or six games of the regular season, and potentially longer, Frankie Cartoscelli of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.
Right, Knee, Dislocated (return est. 2026-11-02) · ESPN Oct 15

Latest news

posted before tip · newest first · official report, X, Bluesky, RotoWire, ESPN

XSACMalik MonkAvailableOct 23
Malik Monk (ankle) listed available to play Friday.
@UnderdogNBA · View on X
XSACMalik MonkProbableOct 23
Malik Monk is listed as probable for tonight’s home opener, as reported last night. Good sign for the Kings.
@James_HamNBA · View on X
ESPNSACMalik MonkDay-to-dayOct 22
Monk (ankle) is probable for Friday's game against Portland.
Left, Ankle, Soreness (return est. 2026-10-23)ESPN · Original ↗
RotoWireSACZach LaVineOct 22
Zach LaVine: Pours in team-high 28 in season opener — LaVine recorded 28 points (10-19 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 5-8 FT), four rebounds and four assists over 34 minutes during Wednesday's 121-96 loss to the Clippers.
RotoWire · Original ↗
XPOROct 22
"(Donovan) Clingan hit a couple. Then Ja (Morant) hit one, Deni (Avdija) hit one I think from the right side. Those felt like they were contested and then we couldn't any force offensively. They were great, they were physical defensively. Their big was back in drop. Got to make a
@DuaneRankin · View on X
XSACDe'Andre HunterOct 22
4. De'Andre Hunter got the start. No one knew the opening night starting lineup until 7pm and when it was released, Hunter was at the three. He came out firing, hitting his first two triples, but then he struggled with fouls and disappeared. He finished with 6 points in 20
@James_HamNBA · View on X
XSACZach LaVineOct 22
3. Zach LaVine came to play. Call it a contract year or maybe just a player who knows exactly who he is as a player, but LaVine came out like a man possessed. He scored 18 points in the first half, but went quiet in the second half to finish with 28 points, 4 rebounds and 4
@James_HamNBA · View on X
XSACDomantas SabonisAbout an earlier gameOct 22
2. There he is. Domantas Sabonis played just twice in the preseason and struggled with foul trouble. He looked more like himself in this one, scoring 14 points, dominating the glass for 18 rebounds and dishing out 8 assists. This was a good start after a long layoff.
@James_HamNBA · View on X

Show 7 older items

XSACDarius Acuff Jr.Oct 22
1. Came out cold. Darius Acuff Jr. isn't shy about hoisting shots. Against the Clippers, most of them came up short. In his first NBA game, Acuff started the game 1-of-11 from the field. He never settled in, finishing with 12 points on 5-for-24 shooting to go with 3 assists, but
@James_HamNBA · View on X
BlueskySACDarius Acuff Jr.Oct 22
Rough NBA opening night for the northern part of California. Warriors fall down 35 points to the Lakers and get blasted by 22. Across LA, the Kings are currently down 25 to the Clippers with promising rookie Darius Acuff 5/24 shooting in debut.
@anthonyvslater.bsky.social · View on Bluesky
BlueskySACZach LaVineOct 22
Ugly third quarter for the Kings. They trail 93-70 heading to the fourth. 20 points for Zach LaVine. 14 points and 15 rebounds for Sabonis. No other Kings player is in double figure scoring. Acuff is 3-of-21 from the field in his debut.
@jameshamnba.bsky.social · View on Bluesky
XSACAbout an earlier gameOct 21
Kings are starting Darius Acuff Jr, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, De’Andre Hunter, Domantas Sabonis tonight at LA
@LawMurrayTheNU · View on X
XPOROct 21
AVAILABLE: Deni Avdija (right ankle soreness) and Micah Potter (illness). Blazers starting lineup: Ja Morant Damian Lillard Deni Avdija Toumani Camara Donovan Clingan #RipCity
@DuaneRankin · View on X
ESPNSACMalik MonkAbout an earlier gameOct 21
Monk (ankle) won't play Wednesday versus the Clippers.
Left, Ankle, Soreness (return est. 2026-10-23)ESPN · Original ↗
XPORMicah PotterAvailableOct 21
Micah Potter (illness) listed available to play Wednesday.
@UnderdogNBA · View on X

Schedule & travel · referees

	POR	SAC
Days of rest	1	1
Back-to-back	No	No
Games in last 7 days	2	1
Travel to this game (est.)	484 mi	365 mi
Travel last 7 days (est.)	1,020 mi	365 mi
Time zones crossed	0	0
Road trip game #	1	—

Travel is the straight-line distance between arenas from the schedule, an estimate; in the first week they include preseason games. These numbers describe the schedule; they are not a prediction of how a team will play.

Referees: J.B. DeRosa, Mousa Dagher, Michael Smith

After the game

posted after the final · newest 34 h ago · sources checked 5 h ago · each item links to where it came from

POR Portland Trail Blazers

Bluesky Michael Scotto (@mikeascotto.bsky.social) · Report · 40 h ago
Jeremy Sochan will be the No. 1 pick of the G League Draft, sources told HoopsHype. Sochan will join the Dallas Mavericks’ affiliate, Texas Legends, and attempt to work his way back to the NBA. He’s averaged 9.9 points and 5.4 rebounds in four seasons with the Spurs and Knicks.
original post ↗
Rotation Blazers coach (reported), via Numbers on the Board · Relayed report · 40 h ago
Blazers: the head coach had said starting Ja Morant didn't make sense. A report a couple hours before the game said Ja wouldn't start, then another right before tip said he would. A host speculated the front office may have been behind it.
“20 Things We Have Learned So Far | Numbers On The Board” at 1:41:19 · listen ↗
News ESPN · Story · Oct 24
Deni Avdija scores 26 points to lead Trail Blazers in win over Kings
— Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers with 26 points, six rebounds, and six assists in the Portland Trail Blazers 128-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Friday.
source ↗
Availability Gil's Arena · 2 points · 44 h ago
- The Blazers opened at home Wednesday. It was Lillard's return after he missed all of last season recovering from an Achilles injury, and he is 36. at 29:24
- Ja Morant made his Blazers debut after being traded by the Grizzlies this offseason. There was preseason talk of bringing him off the bench, but he and Lillard both started the opener. at 29:32
“Sixers Erase A MASSIVE 29-Point Deficit, SGA Ends His Streak & Jaylen Brown Calls CAP On Tatum!_1 Part 2” · listen ↗
RotoWire RotoWire · Report · Oct 24
Toumani Camara: Nets 19 points with five triples — Camara registered 19 points (7-12 FG, 5-10 3Pt), three rebounds, one assist and two steals over 27 minutes in Friday's 128-120 win over the Kings.
source ↗

SAC Sacramento Kings

X James Ham (@James_HamNBA) · Report · 34 h ago
Hearing Keegan Murray’s disappearance during Friday night’s game was not a trip to the locker room - he was on a bike in the tunnel. Also hearing he is experiencing some stiffness in the ankle that he had surgery on in May and there is a chance he’ll be listed as questionable for
original post ↗
Availability Numbers on the Board host · Relayed report · 40 h ago
Malik Monk missed the first game with left ankle soreness and tried to play yesterday; a host guesses the soreness may be lingering. Jordan Clarkson missed every shot (0 for 5).
“20 Things We Have Learned So Far | Numbers On The Board” at 1:37:17 · listen ↗
News ESPN · Story · Oct 24
Deni Avdija scores 26 points to lead Trail Blazers in win over Kings
— Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers with 26 points, six rebounds, and six assists in the Portland Trail Blazers 128-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Friday.
source ↗
Availability Locked On Kings · 2 points · Oct 24
- Ben Simmons is out for the year with an Achilles tear. The host says the injury came three days before the opener. Before it, the Kings had a completely different starting lineup and season plan built around him as a high-usage, high-assist player. at 5:45
- Doug Christie (reported): Asked why Keegan Murray did not return, Doug Christie said (per the host's paraphrase) that Murray went to the locker room at some point in the third quarter. He came back out, but a while had passed and he was not put back in. at 29:05
“Despite loss, Darius Acuff Jr. and Domantas Sabonis quiet the CHEMISTRY ISSUE chatter” · listen ↗
RotoWire RotoWire · Report · Oct 24
Domantas Sabonis: Triple-doubles in loss — Sabonis totaled 27 points (10-13 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 6-7 FT), 19 rebounds, 10 assists and five turnovers across 39 minutes in Friday's 128-120 loss to the Trail Blazers.
source ↗

Reporters, insiders and team podcasts after the final. Podcast items are our short summaries, credited to who said it. Rumors and opinions are labelled and are not checked facts.

Before the game, they said

newest Oct 23 · reporters, insiders, ESPN and team podcasts · each item links to where it came from

POR Portland Trail Blazers

Availability The Mismatch host · Report · Oct 23
Damian Lillard returned from his Achilles injury, in his old uniform and in the town that loves him most. He scored 25 (17 in the first half) on 7-of-12 shooting and 6-of-10 from three.
“The Return of Loves and Loathes. Plus: A Historic Thursday Night.” at 26:47 · listen ↗
Rotation Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective host · Report · Oct 23
Portland started Lillard and Ja Morant together, which had been a camp question, and opened 21-0 on the Suns. A host called the decision 'probably a coaching mistake' but driven by politics.
“Luka Gets Called Out As Lakers Dominate + Who Made A Game 1 Statement?” at 39:47 · listen ↗
Availability Locked On Blazers · 2 points · Oct 23
- team injury report (reported): Deni Avdija is not on the injury report for the Kings game. In the opener he went from questionable to warming up pregame and then played. at 25:43
- Mike Richman: Branden Carlson is still out in the concussion protocol. at 26:15
“Trail Blazers Were Spectacular in Game 1. What's Real & What's Noise After a Special Opening Night?” · listen ↗
Rotation The Athletic NBA Daily host · Report · Oct 22
Toumani Camara was excellent on both ends. Jrue Holiday came off the bench, and Scoot put pressure on the rim.
“Wolves Make a Big Statement in Miami + Luka’s Showtime Era Begins” at 15:53 · listen ↗
Rotation Locked On Blazers host · Prediction · Oct 22
The host says Sidy Cissoko will be the ninth man and play a lot this year.
“Trail Blazers Scorch Suns in Season Opener | Damian Lillard's Return to Portland & Ja Morant's Debut” at 24:45 · listen ↗

SAC Sacramento Kings

Availability Locked On Kings · 2 points · Oct 23
- James Ham: The host says Sabonis appeared to have shaken off the knee injury that limited him to 19 games last season. at 1:56
- James Ham: The host says the Kings currently have no one capable of running the second unit. He says that is when they fell apart and fell behind against the Clippers. at 27:30
“Can the Kings create MORE OPPORTUNITIES for Domantas Sabonis on the offensive end?” · listen ↗
Availability Locked On Kings · 2 points · Oct 22
- The host says the Kings currently have no true backup center. He hopes Dylan Cardwell returns for Friday or Sunday, but that is not confirmed and no reason for the absence is given. at 30:08
- De'Andre Hunter started as the fifth starter on opening night. The host says the Kings still have to settle on the fifth starter. at 17:35
“Darius Acuff Jr. STRUGGLES WITH SHOT in season opener, Kings fall to Clippers” · listen ↗

Podcast items are our short summaries, credited to who said it. Rumors and opinions are labelled and are not checked facts. Each visit shows a different mix of the latest items; the first two are the most newsworthy.

Portland Trail Blazers at Sacramento Kings, Fri, Oct 23: final, Trail Blazers 128, Kings 120

This game

Final box score

How it went

Q4 · POR 128, SAC 120 (POR 25–30 SAC in the period)

Blazers used a huge third quarter to beat the Kings

Things to watch

Reported Lillard brings his comeback to Sacramento after a big return

Since the final

Injuries at tip

POR Portland Trail Blazers

SAC Sacramento Kings

Latest news