The Warriors-Kings series was hit with a shockwave on Monday.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, De’Aaron Fox sustained a fractured finger on the index finger of his left shooting hand during the Warriors’ Game 4 win over the Kings. He is expected to be listed as doubtful for Game 5 in Sacramento:
Marc J. Spears joined Papa & Lund on Monday after the news broke to assess the situation. Listen here:
Despite the expected doubtful designation, Spears expressed supreme confidence about Fox’s availability.
“There’s no way I can see him not playing,” Spears said. “I expect De’Aaron Fox to be limited but to at least be out there.”
Spears said he spent a significant amount of time with Fox and his family this year, saying that no one in the entire Kings organization wanted to be in the playoffs more than him.
He would be “stunned” if Fox doesn’t play.
“He’d damn near have to be in wheelchair for him not to play,” Spears saad. “Doubtful for him is… I just know De’Aaron Fox. He has a football player mentality. I’d be stunned if he’s not out there.
That said, the Kings will likely have to make adjustments in the backcourt.
Spears believes that the Kings will have to tap Davion Mitchell for an increased role, but said Mitchell is “not really known for his point guard skills.”
It’s a situation that shifts the balance of the series in the Warriors’ favor. If Fox misses a game, Spears said, “I can’t see the Warriors losing this series.”
It’s a best-of-three series at this point. Golden State, with an 11-32 road record this season, will still have to win one on the road.