NBA Rumors: Kings' De'Aaron Fox Doubtful for Game 5 vs. Warriors with Finger Injury

Sacramento Kings star De'Aaron Fox is expected to be doubtful for Game 5 of the team's first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors because of a fractured left index finger, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

The All-Star guard is averaging 31.5 points, 7.0 assists and 6.0 rebounds through the first four games.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Sacramento is leaving the door open for him to suit up Wednesday night:

Fox has taken his game to another level this season, proving he can not only be a high-volume scorer but also one who meaningfully helps his team on the floor. That has carried over into the postseason.

The Kings aren't a one-man show, but the 25-year-old is an almost irreplaceable member of the squad. Take him out of the lineup, and you're potentially looking at Davion Mitchell as the starting point guard.

In the event Fox is cleared to play in Game 5, the fractured finger could still adversely impact his performance. Shooting and dribbling with the kind of protective covering Wojnarowski referenced will be an adjustment.

The alarm bells weren't ringing for the Kings immediately after they suffered a 126-125 defeat on the road Sunday, but with the Western Conference series now tied at 2-2, there is a sense they failed to properly capitalize on the opportunity they had after initially claiming a 2-0 lead.

The momentum was already swinging toward the battle-tested Warriors, and an injury to Fox tips the scales further in the reigning NBA champions' favor.