NBA Notes: Kings, Zach LaVine, Nuggets, Aaron Gordon, Blazers

Kings

The Kings entered Thursday riding a seven-game losing streak, but there were reasons to think they might snap it in Memphis.

As Chris Biderman of The Sacramento Bee noted, Keegan Murray was making his season debut, the Grizzlies were one of the few losing teams on Sacramento’s schedule, and Memphis was without Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Instead, it turned into the Kings’ worst loss of the year.

Sacramento was blown out by 41 points, extending the skid to eight straight. All eight losses have been by double digits.

DeMar DeRozan attempted only three shots and finished with seven points. He is averaging 17.9 per game, his lowest mark in 13 years.

“In a s—– place,” DeRozan said when asked about the team’s mindset. “Don’t nobody want to lose the way we’ve been losing. Sometimes when you’re in the deep end, it’s hard to hear anything. You’re just trying to swim your way out.”

DeRozan also admitted uncertainty about his future with the Kings. He is making $24.6 million this season, and next year’s $25.7 million salary is only partially guaranteed for $10 million.

Zach LaVine, who played only two combined minutes in the previous two fourth quarters, acknowledged he didn’t love the benchings.

“I’ll always be a team guy,” LaVine said. “Personally, I don’t like it. I’ve never not played in the fourth. But when you’re trying to find a win you do whatever you can, I guess.”

Nuggets

Aaron Gordon’s injury issues continue. After missing time last season with multiple soft-tissue injuries, the Nuggets forward aggravated a hamstring issue 3 minutes into Friday’s game against Houston and was ruled out for the night.

Gordon was off to a terrific start, averaging 20.3 points and 6.3 rebounds on elite efficiency through 12 games. Denver is plus-20.4 per 100 possessions with him on the floor.

The Nuggets improved to 12-3 after edging Houston, and it would not be surprising if they take a cautious approach with Gordon, given his importance and last season’s history.

Trail Blazers

The Blazers will be without Scoot Henderson for at least 2-4 more weeks.

Portland announced the third-year guard will be reevaluated after continuing his recovery from a torn left hamstring.

Henderson told Jason Quick of The Athletic recently that his return would not be imminent.

Jrue Holiday will also miss at least another week with a right calf strain, the team said. He was initially questionable for Friday’s game before being ruled out.

Holiday was off to a strong start in his first season with Portland, averaging 16.7 points, 8.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds in 12 games.

Shaedon Sharpe missed his second straight game Friday and remains day-to-day, per Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report.

The Blazers have been hammered by backcourt injuries. Henderson has yet to play this season. Blake Wesley is out long-term after foot surgery.

Matisse Thybulle is still recovering from thumb surgery. Damian Lillard is out for the year with a torn Achilles.

After opening 5-3, Portland has dropped six of seven and sits at 6-9.

“It’s just part of the game,” acting coach Tiago Splitter said. “We’ve got to adapt a little bit, and we will. The teams that adapt better to these situations are the ones that do well.”

Highkin noted the Blazers could explore applying for a hardship exception, depending on Thybulle’s timeline.