Game 16 Preview: Sacramento Kings at Los Angeles Clippers

 Jimmer Fredette, Blake Griffin and DeMarcus Cousins wait for action to restart. (Photo: Tobin Halsey)

Gametime: 7:30 pm PT

Where:  Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA.

Broadcast Information: Click here.

For Clippers perspective, visit fellow TrueHoop Network affiliate ClipperBlog.

Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (4-11)

PG: Aaron Brooks
SG: Tyreke Evans
SF: John Salmons
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins

Los Angeles Clippers Probable Starters (9-6)

PG: Chris Paul
SG: Chauncey Billups
SF: Caron Butler
PF: Blake Griffin
C: DeAndre Jordan

Three questions to ponder

1. Will the Clippers fresh legs be too much for the Kings?

After snapping a four-game losing streak to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles is coming off two-days rest.  The Kings, meanwhile, are playing their second game in as many nights.   The Kings faired well last week in this scenario, splitting with the Utah Jazz in the home/away set.  But, the Kings could also be playing without guard Tyreke Evans, whose status remains uncertain after he missed yesterday’s game with a bruised left knee.  The extra preparation time for the Clippers along with the return of veteran Chauncey Billups could wind up being the Kings’ undoing tonight.

2. Will Blake Griffin get under the skin of DeMarcus Cousins?

The last meeting between two of the game’s best big men resulted in an entertaining battle both on and off the court.  Griffin used some Hollywood theatrics to get Cousins in foul trouble, which didn’t sit well with the Kings center after the game.  Cousins proceeded to call Griffin an “actor” to media for his effort in the Clippers’ 93-85 win.  If Cousins battles foul trouble again due to Griffin’s thespian talents, will we see a sequel to last year’s beef?

3. Who gets the primary minutes at backup point guard: Jimmer Fredette or Isaiah Thomas?

It seems that Keith Smart has reached the point of no return when it comes to his second-year point guards.  Both Fredette and Thomas have played well off the bench for the Kings, but their minutes have been sporadic throughout the Kings’ first 15 games.  James Ham addressed this question in a post earlier today.  We’ll see if we have a more definitive answer following tonight’s game.

Arrow to top