The Sacramento Kings play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Golden 1 Center on Friday.

The Spurs (31-34) come into this matchup in the midst of a five-game losing streak. This terrible stretch has dropped them to 10th in the Western Conference, putting their playoff lives in jeopardy. They are now just 1.5 games up on the New Orleans Pelicans in 11th, and it would be hard to find anyone who would say San Antonio is the more talented team of those two. It is a testament to this organization, though, because this club continues to compete despite being mismatched on a nightly basis. The guy who's really gotten them to this point is DeMar DeRozan, leading the team with 21.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game.

The Kings (29-37) are trying their best to stay alive, but they have an uphill battle ahead of them. They are 2.5 games back of these Spurs for the final playoff spot, but the injuries have completely killed this club. Harrison Barnes and Tyrese Haliburton have both suffered injuries over the last week, while De'Aaron Fox continues to miss games due to COVID protocols. There is some thought he could return here, and they need him back if they are to make this final push. The speedy point guard is in the midst of a breakout season, averaging 25.2 points and 7.2 assists per game. If anyone can get them out of this whole, he's the one, and now's the time with Sacramento winning their last four games.

These teams have played twice this season, splitting those two meetings. Before that, the Spurs have dominated this series, winning 46 of their previous 54 games over the Kings.