The Kings have the opportunity to win their first Summer League championship since 2014.
For the first time in seven years, the Sacramento Kings will appear in the championship game at the NBA’s Summer League in Las Vegas and this time, their opponent will be the Boston Celtics.
Both Boston and Sacramento went 4-0 in qualifying play and have looked strong on both ends of the floor. Celtics sophomore Payton Pritchard has been pegged as the “veteran” standout from this tournament, leading the Celtics to victories over the Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers.
On Sacramento’s side, Davion Mitchell, Chimezie Metu and Jahmi’us Ramsey have led the way building on the chemistry they built during the California Classic. The Kings won against the Charlotte Hornets, Washingto Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks in their first four games in Las Vegas.
The Kings will have to fair without Metu, however, as the league announced Monday he will be suspended for one game following an on-court altercation.
Tuesday’s game will still feature a few battle-tested players, though, as this won’t be Davion Mitchell’s first time with a championship on the line, and there are Celtics such as Romeo Langford who have seen real playoff minutes.
Although the stakes are low, this will be a great litmus test for the potential guys who will be playing on Sacramento’s roster this season, looking to end their 15 year playoff drought.
Game Information
Where: Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
When: Tuesday, August 17 at 6 p.m. PT
TV/Radio: ESPN, ESPN Radio
Injuries/Absences:
Kings: Chimezie Metu (Suspension)
Celtics: Payton Pritchard (probable)