Here’s a bold statement: the Sacramento Kings are on the brink of something big—or another heartbreaking loss. And this is the part most people miss: their upcoming game against the Cleveland Cavaliers isn’t just another match; it’s a chance to snap a seven-game road losing streak that’s been haunting them. But here’s where it gets controversial—can they really turn things around against a Cavaliers team that’s been dominating at home? Let’s dive in.
On Friday, January 22, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. EST, the Sacramento Kings (12-33, 14th in the Western Conference) will face the Cleveland Cavaliers (25-20, 5th in the Eastern Conference) in Cleveland. The Kings are desperate to end their road woes, but it won’t be easy. The Cavaliers boast a solid 14-11 home record and rank seventh in the East, averaging 50.0 points per game in the paint, led by the impressive Evan Mobley, who contributes 10.5 points per game in this category.
Meanwhile, the Kings have struggled away from home, going 3-17 on the road. They’ve been giving up 120.7 points per game, getting outscored by a margin of 10.0 points. Here’s the kicker: the Cavaliers average 119.1 points per game, just 1.6 points shy of what the Kings typically concede. Is this a recipe for disaster, or can Sacramento’s slight edge in field goal percentage (46.7% vs. 46.5% allowed by Cleveland) make the difference?
For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell has been a powerhouse, averaging 28.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. Mobley has been on fire lately, averaging 16.3 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 56.2% over the last 10 games. On the Kings’ side, Russell Westbrook leads with 15.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists, while DeMar DeRozan has stepped up, averaging 20.0 points in the last 10 games.
Looking at recent performance, the Cavaliers are 6-4 in their last 10 games, averaging 117.1 points, 45.4 rebounds, and 30.9 assists per game. The Kings, meanwhile, are 4-6, averaging 111.0 points, 41.6 rebounds, and 25.1 assists. But here’s the real question: Can Sacramento’s slightly better field goal percentage (49.2% vs. Cleveland’s 48.8%) give them the edge they need?
Injuries could play a role too. The Cavaliers are missing Max Strus (foot) and Darius Garland (foot), with Sam Merrill listed as day-to-day (hand). The Kings, meanwhile, are without Keegan Murray (ankle) and have Domantas Sabonis as day-to-day (knee).
So, what do you think? Can the Kings finally break their road curse, or will the Cavaliers continue their home dominance? Let us know in the comments—this game is bound to spark some heated debates!
