De'Aaron Fox's reported fractured finger is devastating for the Kings

There's a real possibility the Kings go from a 2-0 lead to first-round exit without Fox.

What was already a successful season for the Sacramento Kings was beginning to look a whole lot more promising in the playoffs, but it could be crashing down real soon after news of an injury to star guard De’Aaron Fox.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Fox suffered a fractured index finger on his shooting hand and is expected to be listed as doubtful for Game 5 of Sacramento’s series against the Golden State Warriors.

Returning home after consecutive losses on the road, the Kings had an opportunity to regain momentum in a series they once led 2-0 — the Warriors are the worst road team in the playoffs. But the absence of Fox gives Golden State a significant advantage.

The Kings went from 1.5-point favorites to 3.5-point underdogs at BetMGM after the news.

Kings move from -1.5 to +3.5 in Game 5 vs. Warriors

Brutal break for Sacramento https://t.co/WTRUKNA08W

— Ben Fawkes (@BFawkes22) April 24, 2023

Fox was a first-time All-Star this season and named the NBA’s inaugural Clutch Player of the Year. Sacramento’s leading scorer, he increased his average from 25 points in the regular season to 31.5 in the playoffs.

Though it would be foolish to completely write off the Kings, it’s hard to imagine them beating the defending champs without their best player. And it’s a real possibility they drop four straight games and lose the series altogether, as the odds at DraftKings favor Golden State to win the series 4-2 at +120 and 4-3 at +255.