Zach LaVine gets the injury report for the showdown against the Nuggets

The Sacramento Kings may be without their leading scorer when they face the denver nuggets on thursday night, as Zach LaVine has officially landed on the injury report with lower back pain. LaVine, who has been one of the few bright spots in the Kings’ uneven start to the season, is currently listed as questionable against Denver.

Through six games, LaVine has been a force offensively, averaging 29.5 points per game in 37 minutes a night. His scoring prowess has kept Sacramento competitive amid a string of injuries that derailed head coach Doug Christie’s early season rotation.

🏀 FINAL RESULTS OF SATURDAY 🏀

Zach LaVine records his 5th 30+ PTS game of the season as @SacramentoKings secure victory on the road!

DeMar DeRozan: 29 points
Domantas Sabonis: 24 PTS, 13 REB, 6 AST
Dennis Schroeder: 24 points, 5 REB, 7 AST, 2 STL
Russell Westbrook: 12 PTS, 10 AST, 2 STL… pic.tvitter.com/KstKsAniRKk

— NBA (@NBA) November 2, 2025

The Kings are 2-4 and could be in a tough spot again, with Keegan Murray (left thumb UCL injury) and Malik Monk (personal reasons) already out and Dennis Schroeder also questionable with right hip soreness.

If LaVine can’t go, Sacramento’s offensive responsibilities will fall heavily on DeMar DeRozan’s shoulders. Rookie Devin Carter, who is also questionable with right knee soreness, could see increased minutes if cleared to play.

Meanwhile, the defending champion Denver Nuggets enter the contest with a 3-2 record and injury concerns. Jamal Murray is listed as probable with left calf tightness, while Cameron Johnson is also likely due to shoulder inflammation.

Denver’s rotation will once again rely on Nikola Jokicwho was his usual dominant self in the season opener, averaging a triple-double and anchoring the Nuggets offense.

This matchup between the Western Conference contenders has lost some star power with both teams, but a potential matchup between LaVine and Murray, if the two match up, could still deliver some fireworks. Lavin has been on a roll all season, scoring efficiently and showing better shot selection, while Murray is just finding his stride after a cautious start.

For Sacramento, this game offers a chance to build momentum and avoid slipping deeper below .500. But without their best scorer, the Kings’ uphill battle against Denver’s depth and discipline only gets steeper.