Kings' Star Fox Suffers Fractured Finger, Doubtful for Game 5 Against Warriors
The Sacramento Kings may field a less potent team against the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series, following reports that Kings guard De’Aaron Fox suffered an injury to a finger on his shooting hand in Sunday's loss to the Warriors.
According to The Athletic, the All-Star guard fractured the tip of his left index finger in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game, which the Warriors won 126-125 to tie the series at two games apiece. Fox's availability for Game 5 and beyond is now in question, as he will be listed as doubtful for the game on Wednesday, per several reports. ESPN has reported that the Kings are still holding out hope that he'll play, albeit with a protective covering over his injured finger.
Fox has been a standout performer for the Kings in this first-round matchup, averaging 31.5 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and 2.5 steals across the first four games. The Clutch Player of the Year has posed a significant challenge to the Warriors, shooting 44.7% from the field and 34.2% from beyond the arc.
Although Fox remained in Sunday's game after the injury, finishing with an impressive 38 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, the news of his injury has altered the betting markets. The Warriors have gone from 1.5-point underdogs to 4-point favorites for Game 5, according to Caesars Sportsbook, with their odds of winning the series rising from -180 to -250 at DraftKings.
While the Kings are 4-5 without Fox this season, his absence would undoubtedly affect their chances in this crucial game. The Warriors, who have struggled on the road this season, are looking to capitalize on their two-game winning streak to advance to the Western Conference semifinals, but they may face a depleted Kings team without their star player.