Sacramento Kings Look to Clinch Home-Court Advantage in Regular Season Finale vs. Phoenix Suns

The Sacramento Kings will close out their 2024-25 regular season at home on Sunday afternoon in a critical showdown against the Phoenix Suns. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EST at Golden 1 Center, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for Sacramento.

With a win over the Suns, the Kings can secure home-court advantage in the NBA Play-In Tournament, where they are expected to face the Dallas Mavericks. However, even if Sacramento loses, they could still clinch home-court as long as Dallas also falls short in their final game of the season.

Suns Shorthanded, Kings Nearly Full Strength

The Kings will enter Sunday’s matchup in strong health, listing only Malik Monk (calf) and Jake LaRavia (thumb) as out due to injury. Both are already ruled out of Play-In action as they continue their respective recoveries.

"The Sacramento Kings have ruled Malik Monk (calf) and Jake LaRavia (thumb) out for Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns." — Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee

On the other hand, the Phoenix Suns are resting several of their key players, making them heavily undermanned for the regular season finale. Kevin Durant (ankle), Devin Booker (calf), Bradley Beal (rest), and Nick Richards (elbow) have all been ruled out for Sunday’s contest.

"The Phoenix Suns have ruled Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Nick Richards out for Sunday's game vs. the Sacramento Kings." — Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee

End of the Suns' Big Three Era?

With Durant and Beal sidelined and Phoenix officially eliminated from playoff contention, Sunday’s absence could signal the end of the Suns' much-hyped "Big Three" era. Reports suggest that the franchise may move on from both Durant and Beal in the upcoming offseason following a disappointing campaign.

If this is indeed the swan song for Phoenix’s superstar trio, Sunday’s game could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Suns while offering a golden opportunity for the Kings to capitalize.

What to Expect on Sunday

With home-court advantage in the Play-In on the line, the Kings are expected to come out aggressively—especially against a depleted Suns squad. If Sacramento gains a comfortable lead early, fans could see head coach Mike Brown opt to rest some of the Kings' starters in the second half to keep them fresh for the postseason.

Meanwhile, the Suns may be looking to play spoiler in their final outing, even without their marquee names on the court.