SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Interstat) — The Portland Trail Blazers held off the Sacramento Kings 98-93 on Saturday night at Golden 1 Center, sweeping a two-game set between the teams. Portland built a 47-44 halftime lead and maintained a narrow advantage throughout the second half. The Kings cut the deficit to one point in the fourth quarter but could not complete the comeback. The Trail Blazers improved to 12-16, while the Kings fell to 6-22 before an announced crowd of 15,963. The game was a stark contrast to the teams’ previous meeting, a 134-133 overtime win for Portland on Thursday, as both teams struggled offensively and combined to fall well below the projected point total.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Interstat) — Deni Avdija recorded 24 points and 10 assists, and the Portland Trail Blazers held off a late Sacramento Kings rally to secure a 98-93 victory Saturday night at Golden 1 Center, sweeping a home-and-home series between the teams. In a game defined more by defensive grit and missed opportunities than offensive fireworks, the Trail Blazers leaned on Avdija’s all-around play and a crucial fourth-quarter push to overcome a sloppy performance and subpar shooting from both sides. The win extended Portland’s streak to three games, improving its record to 12-16, while Sacramento fell to 6-22. The contest never approached the offensive spectacle of Thursday’s 134-133 overtime thriller in Portland. Both teams struggled mightily from the field, with the Trail Blazers shooting 43.2% and the Kings a frigid 38.4%. The three-point line was particularly unforgiving, as Sacramento connected on just 6 of 31 attempts and Portland made 11 of 31. The most pivotal stretch of the game arrived late in the fourth quarter. After the Kings, led by Dennis Schroder’s 21 points and Maxime Raynaud’s 17 points and 12 rebounds, clawed to within 89-87 on a Schroder three-pointer with 4:37 remaining, Portland responded with decisive execution. Following a timeout, the Trail Blazers worked the ball inside to Donovan Clingan, who scored on a putback. After a pair of Raynaud free throws, Portland’s offense again found a rhythm. Avdija, who added seven rebounds to his double-double, hit a critical three-pointer off an assist from Robert Williams to push the lead to 94-89 with 3:09 left. On the ensuing possession, Avdija found Shaedon Sharpe for a driving dunk, capping a 7-2 run that gave Portland a 96-89 cushion with 2:13 to play. Sacramento had one final chance after a DeMar DeRozan three-pointer cut the deficit to 96-92 with 36.6 seconds left. A Portland turnover gave the Kings possession, but Russell Westbrook missed a potential tying three-pointer. After two Dylan Cardwell free throws made it 96-93, Williams was fouled and sank both free throws with 16.5 seconds left to seal the outcome. The game’s opening minutes set the tone for an ugly offensive night. The teams combined for six missed shots and three turnovers before the first points were scored nearly 90 seconds in. Portland built an early lead behind Avdija’s playmaking and led 28-26 after a first quarter that saw 11 total turnovers. Portland maintained a narrow advantage throughout, taking a 47-44 lead into halftime and a 72-69 edge into the final period. The Trail Blazers’ defense was active, tallying 12 steals, but they were undermined by 20 turnovers, which Sacramento converted into 18 points. The Kings, however, were equally generous, committing 15 turnovers of their own and missing 10 free throws. Sharpe provided crucial scoring support for Avdija with 23 points. Clingan posted a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, and Toumani Camara added 15 points. Williams contributed 10 points and nine rebounds off the bench. For Sacramento, Schroder’s 21 points and six assists led the way. Raynaud’s double-double was a bright spot, and DeRozan finished with 15 points. Westbrook filled the stat sheet with seven points, eight rebounds and seven assists but shot 2 of 11 from the field. The victory marked Portland’s second straight narrow decision over the Kings and continued Avdija’s strong run of form. The Trail Blazers will host the Detroit Pistons on Monday. The Kings, mired in a losing streak, will look to rebound at home against the Houston Rockets on Sunday.

Preview: Trail Blazers at Kings, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to build on rare recent wins will meet when the Portland Trail Blazers visit the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night at Golden 1 Center. The Trail Blazers (10-16) are coming off a 136-131 home victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, snapping a three-game skid. The Kings (6-20) have lost three straight since their last win on Dec. 6 but will look to rebound on their home floor. Portland’s offense runs through guard Shaedon Sharpe, who is averaging 24.1 points over his last seven games. He erupted for 35 points in the win over Golden State, supported by 35 points from Jerami Grant and 26 points from Deni Avdija. The Trail Blazers’ attack, however, has been inconsistent, scoring 96 and 116 points in losses last week. Sacramento has struggled defensively, allowing an average of 120.1 points per game. Forward Precious Achiuwa has been a bright spot, posting a double-double in a win over Miami on Dec. 6 and scoring 17 points with six rebounds in a loss to Minnesota last Sunday. The Kings will need more from veterans DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook, who combined for 25 points in that defeat. These teams last met just two days prior on Thursday in Portland, with the Trail Blazers securing a victory. The quick rematch offers Sacramento an immediate chance for redemption at home. Portland continues a five-game road trip with this contest, while Sacramento opens a brief two-game homestand before hosting Houston on Sunday. The game tips off at 7 p.m. PST Saturday.