Kings guard Russell Westbrook answered one question before launching what seemed like a premeditated attack on Sacramento media following Thursday’s 133-123 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
What can the Kings accomplish over the final 18 games of the season?
“Go out, compete, just the game,” Westbrook said. “Be professional, go out and play, and that’s all you can do.”
Kings coach Doug Christie might answer that question differently, but if that’s really all they can do, the Kings will just be going through the motions when they entertain the Chicago Bulls on Sunday at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
The Kings (14-50) have the worst record in the NBA after losing three in a row and 16 of their last 22. They haven’t won at home since beating the Washington Wizards on Jan. 16.
are closing out one of the worst seasons in franchise history.
The Bulls (26-37) are coming off a 105-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns. They have won two of their last three games after losing 11 in a row.
The Kings continue to be shorthanded with Dyland Cardwell (left ankle sprain), De’Andre Hunter (left eye retinal repair), Zach LaVine (right fifth finger tendon repair), Keegan Murray (left ankle sprain) and Domantas Sabonis (left knee meniscus repair) all sidelined due to injuries.
Murray is expected to be reevaluated later this week. Cardwell will be reevaluated in about 10 days.
The Bulls are also dealing with injury problems. Matas Buzelis (right ankle sprain), Josh Giddey (right ankle sprain) Jalen Smith (left calf strain) and Patrick Williams (right quadriceps strain) are questionable for Sunday’s game against the Kings.
Anfernee Simons (left ulnar styloid fracture), Jaden Ivey (left patellofemoral pain syndrome) and Zach Collins (right first toe surgery) are out.
Bulls at Kings
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Bulls -2.5
Over/under: 226.5
Injury report
Lakers: QUESTIONABLE — Matas Buzelis (ankle); Josh Giddey (ankle); Jalen Smith (calf); Patrick Williams (quad). OUT — Zach Collins (toe); Noa Essengue (shoulder); Jaden Ivey (knee); Mac McClung (G League); Anfernee Simons (wrist).
Kings: OUT – Dylan Cardwell (ankle); De’Andre Hunter (eye); Zach LaVine (finger); Keegan Murray (ankle); Domantas Sabonis (knee); Isaiah Stevens (G League).
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Jason Anderson is The Sacramento Bee’s Kings beat writer. He is a Sacramento native and a graduate of Fresno State, where he studied journalism and college basketball under the late Jerry Tarkanian.