Game 6 Preview: Sacramento Kings vs. San Antonio Spurs

James Johnson and Tyreke Evans mull over things against the Detroit Pistons. (Photo: Steven Chea)

Gametime: 7:00 pm PST

Where:  Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, CA.

Broadcast Information: Click here.

For Spurs perspective, visit fellow TrueHoop Network affiliate 48 Minutes of Hell.

Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (2-3)

PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Tyreke Evans
SF: James Johnson
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins

San Antonio Spurs Probable Starters (4-1)

PG: Tony Parker
SG: Danny Green
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Boris Diaw
C: Tim Duncan

Three questions to ponder

1. Will the Spurs make the Kings miss Thomas Robinson?

Due to suspension, the Kings will play without the rookie forward for the next two games.  Robinson’s absence couldn’t come at a worst time with future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan coming to town.  Without Robinson, the Kings will have just three active big men.  Expect to see James Johnson get some time at power forward as well as Travis Outlaw with the Kings playing short-handed tonight.  The Mississippi native has played just two games this season, but his length and versatility might come in handy against San Antonio this evening.

2. Can the Kings contain the Spurs from beyond the arc?

Through five games, the Kings are ranked first in opponent 3-point percentage.  They’ve allowed their opposition to shoot just 24.2 percent from beyond the arc.  The Spurs made the mark last season as a team that spaced the floor incredibly well through their 3-point shooting.  A player the Kings must keep their eye on is shooting guard Danny Green, who is shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc for the Spurs this season.

3. Who wins the sixth man battle: Marcus Thornton or Manu Ginobili?

Thornton has transitioned seamlessly into his new role as the Kings’ sixth man.  Through five games, Thornton is the Kings’ second-leading scorer, averaging 16.6 points in 31.8 minutes per contest.  Meanwhile, Ginobili has had a slow start for the Spurs.  The 2007-08 Sixth Man of the Year has yet to score in double digits this season and is averaging just 6.7 points per contest.  Is tonight the night Ginobili breaks through or does Thornton continue shine off the Kings’ bench?

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