Hassan Whiteside (protocols) still out as Kings wrap up first half

Sacramento Kings center Hassan Whiteside (health and safety protocols) will remain out Thursday against the Portland Trail Blazers.

What It Means:

Whiteside will miss his sixth straight contest as the Kings play their last game of the first half of the season. Richaun Holmes and Marvin Bagley should continue taking on more work with Whiteside out. Nemanja Bjelica also figures to remain more involved.

Per numberFire's NBA Heat Map, the Kings have the fourth-highest implied total (116.5 points) out of the 18 teams playing Thursday. The Kings-Trail Blazers matchup has the highest over/under (237.5 points) on the entire slate.