Preview: Struggling Kings Face Surging Heat in Miami MIAMI (Interstat) — The Sacramento Kings, mired in a difficult season, will look to halt a four-game skid when they visit the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on Saturday. The Kings (5-17) arrive after a 121-95 road loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. Their season has been defined by inconsistency, having lost 10 of their last 12 games. Sacramento’s defense has been a persistent issue, allowing an average of 120.3 points during their current losing streak. A bright spot has been the recent emergence of rookie center Maxime Raynaud. He is coming off a career-high 25-point performance against Houston, adding six rebounds and three assists in 32 minutes. Over his last three games, the first-round pick is averaging 17.7 points. “He’s gaining confidence and finding his rhythm,” Kings coach Mark Brown said of Raynaud. “We need that energy, especially against a physical team like Miami.” The Heat (14-8) present a formidable challenge, boasting one of the league’s top records. They are 9-2 at home this season but are looking to rebound from a 118-108 loss at Dallas on Wednesday. Miami’s strength lies in its balanced attack and defensive intensity, ranking in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Miami’s frontcourt, led by All-Star Bam Adebayo and rookie sensation Kel’el Ware, will be a primary focus. Ware, the overall pick, has been a revelation, recording six double-doubles in his last 10 games. He is averaging 16.2 points and 12.5 rebounds over that stretch, including a 20-point, 18-rebound effort against Dallas on Nov. 24. “He’s impacting winning immediately,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of Ware. “His length and activity change things for us on both ends.” The Kings will rely on backcourt veterans Malik Monk and Russell Westbrook, who combined for 37 points and 14 assists against Houston, to generate offense. Containing Miami’s perimeter threats, Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier, will be critical for a Sacramento defense that ranks near the bottom of the league. This matchup pits one of the NBA’s coldest teams against one of its hottest. The Heat have won eight of their last 11 and will be heavily favored on their home floor, while the Kings are desperately searching for a spark to turn their season around. Following this game, Sacramento continues a four-game road trip Monday at Indiana. Miami begins a three-game trip Tuesday at Orlando.