Darius Acuff Jr. Faces Miami’s Giant Frontcourt in Sacramento

A rookie guard will carry a giant question into Sacramento on Sunday night: Can Darius Acuff Jr. help the Kings turn a rough start into a new beginning? The Kings were 1-7 through Friday, while the Miami Heat stood at 3-6. Both teams need a spark, but they are chasing it in very different ways.

Sacramento is building around Acuff, the seventh pick in the draft. He has already raced into a huge role, scoring 25.6 points and handing out 7 assists per game. An assist is a pass that leads directly to a basket, and Acuff’s total shows that he is not only hunting his own shots. He is trying to make the whole offense move. After the Kings beat Dallas on Nov. 2, they dropped a game to the Lakers two nights later. Now Acuff gets another chance to lead a response.

His toughest task may be Miami guard Davion Mitchell, who is known for crowding ball-handlers and making every dribble difficult. If Acuff can stay patient, use screens from his big teammates, and find open shooters, Sacramento can make Miami work. Zach LaVine gives Acuff a fast, athletic scoring partner. LaVine is averaging 23.1 points and has been much sharper from three-point range than most of the Kings.

Still, Sacramento’s biggest advantage begins near the basket with Domantas Sabonis. He is grabbing an enormous 14.9 rebounds per game, which gives the Kings extra chances after missed shots. Sabonis also shoots 68.1 percent from the field because he chooses strong looks close to the hoop. His passing from the high post, the area near the free-throw line, can help Acuff and LaVine cut toward open space.

Yet Sabonis will meet a wall of Miami size. Giannis Antetokounmpo attacks the rim with speed and power, while Bam Adebayo brings quick hands and the strength to battle inside. Giannis is averaging 27.3 points and 12.7 rebounds, a sign that he can control a game from the opening jump. Bam adds 18.6 points and 2 steals per game, meaning he often takes the ball away before an opponent can start a play.

The Heat have moved the ball better than Sacramento, collecting 29.2 assists per game. Their 116 points per game also show the payoff when Giannis and Bam draw defenders toward the paint and create room for shooters such as Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins. Miami also blocks far more shots, so Kings drivers must use smart passes rather than force tough attempts.

Sacramento must clean up its 17.3 turnovers per game, because loose passes could send Giannis charging the other way. The Kings will also be without Keegan Murray, who is out with an ankle injury. That removes a useful defender and outside shooter from an already thin group.

Miami lost to Golden State in its most recent game, but its deeper defense, stronger rebounding, and star power give it the clearer path on Sunday. Acuff can make this a thrilling challenge, especially if Sabonis wins extra possessions. Still, I predict the Heat will win by controlling the paint and turning defensive stops into fast breaks.