The Marvin Bagley-Luka Doncic matchup is going to have to wait until Jan. 15 at the earliest. Bagley (broken right thumb) will not play Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks at the Amerian Airlines Center, a league source told NBC Sports California.
Bagley came into Sunday questionable as he attempts to return from the injury that has cost him the last 20 games.
The second-year pro is a huge unknown for the Kings at this point. Bagley's approaching the seven-week mark in his rehab. He was cleared Thursday to resume full-contact basketball activities, but getting practice in is difficult during the busy NBA schedule.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
In his second season, Doncic, who was selected third overall behind Bagley, has developed into an NBA superstar and MVP candidate. Sacramento passed on the talented Slovenian guard during the 2018 NBA Draft, choosing Bagley with the No. 2 overall selection.
Doncic is averaging an incredible 30.1 points, 10 rebounds and 9.2 assists in 33.4 minutes per game for coach Rick Carlisle. The 20-year-old has also led the Mavericks to a 16-6 record, which was second in the Western Conference entering Sunday.
In addition to Bagley, the Kings continue to play without De’Aaron Fox, who suffered a grade 3 ankle sprain and a bone bruise back on Nov. 11. The Kings’ starting point guard is expected to be re-evaluated in two-to-three weeks, but is ahead of schedule.
[RELATED: NBA admits missed call at end of Kings' loss to Spurs]
NBA
Cory Joseph, who has started the last 12 games for Sacramento, was a game-time decision but is in the Kings' starting lineup again Sunday.