Updated Analysis on De'Aaron Fox: How Effective Can He Be Playing Through Finger Injury?

Our initial analysis on De’Aaron Fox was incorrect. The speedy Kings guard will play in Game 5 despite a fracture to his left index finger.

Based on his comments at practice Tuesday, the bigger concern is the dislocation of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint rather than the chip fracture, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.

The chip fracture will cause him pain and require a splint to prevent further damage and potential surgery, but the DIP joint dislocation is what causes the downgrade in his ball handling ability and shooting from distance.

He carries a SIC score of 84 for Wednesday’s game, but that score will likely improve as the series moves to Game 6 on Friday.

Fox put up shots at practice on Tuesday attempting to get used to the splint he plans to play with in Wednesday’s Game 5.

Fox clarified that the injury occurred at the 6:30 mark in the fourth quarter, when Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole both swiped at the ball on a drive.

Initially, the belief was he injured the finger at the 4:35 mark in the fourth quarter when his hand collided with Kevon Looney’s wrist after a foul call on Poole.

Fox said he “felt it” after that collision with Looney’s wrist, but he doesn’t believe any new damage was done on that play.

After the 6:30 mark in the fourth, Fox had 10 points and 3 rebounds on 3-7 shooting from the field, 1-2 shooting from deep and 3-4 shooting from the free throw line.

Fox has averaged 31.5 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds in the first four playoff games of his career. 

He is shooting 44.7% from the field and 34.2% from 3-point range.

Kobe Bryant Comparison

Lakers legend Kobe Bryant suffered an avulsion fracture to his right index finger in December 2009 and finished the season with the injury. Not only did he not miss a game until February, he averaged 27.5 points on 44.1% shooting over the next 31 games.

His 3-point percentage did not see a big drop over that span and he scored over 40 points three times in the next 30 games.

Warriors vs. Kings Game 5 Odds

The Warriors were initially favored by 4 points on the road in Game 5, but have moved to 2-point favorites on the news that Fox will play.

The over/under is 235, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

After being down 2-0 in the series, Golden State is -215 to win the series while the Kings are +180. 

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