Game 73 Preview: Sacramento Kings at Phoenix Suns

Tyreke Evans attacking the basket against the Phoenix Suns (Photo: Steven Chea)

Gametime: 7:00 pm PT

Where: U.S. Airways Center, Phoenix, AZ.

Broadcast Information: TV – Comcast SportsNet California, Radio – CBS Sports 1140

For Suns perspective, visit TrueHoop Network Affiliate Valley of the Suns.

The book on the Suns:  Phoenix hasn’t exactly set the world on fire since All-Star Weekend.  The Suns have posted just a 6-13 record since the break and are losers of four straight.

Did you know?  Since All-Star Weekend, no team in the league has scored more points per game than the Kings.  They’ve averaged 108.5 points per contest since the break.

Status Updates: James Johnson continues to be away from the team dealing with personal matters.

Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (26-46)

PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Tyreke Evans
SF: John Salmons
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins

Phoenix Suns Probable Starters (23-49)

PG: Goran Dragic
SG: Wesley Johnson
SF: P.J. Tucker
PF: Luis Scola

C: Markieff Morris

Stats

Kings

  • Points Per Game: 99.8
  • Offensive Rating: 105.9
  • Opponents Points Per Game: 104.7
  • Defensive Rating: 111.2
  • Pace: 93.3

Suns

  • Points Per Game: 94.3
  • Offensive Rating: 100.5
  • Opponents Points Per Game: 100.7
  • Defensive Rating: 107.3
  • Pace: 93.1

Three questions to ponder

1.  Will Tyreke Evans find his wind?

Evans admitted after last night’s game that he still felt the effects of a stomach ailment that slowed him the last few days.  He mustered up enough strength to start at shooting guard against the Warriors, but scored just 12 points while taking 12 shots last night.  The Kings could certainly benefit from a healthy Evans, who’s scored in double figures in eight of his last nine games, in Phoenix tonight.

2.  Over or under 20 points for Isaiah Thomas?

The Kings starting point guard has figured out how to score in this league.  Many times, you’ll hear Thomas credit an aggressive mindset for his successful scoring binges.  He’s scored 20 points or more 19 times this season, including yesterday’s 31-point outburst in Golden State.

3.  What kind of impact will DeMarcus Cousins have on this game?

Cousins was not a factor in last night’s win in Oakland.  He finished with 14 points and six rebounds in just under 24 minutes of action.  However, the reduced playing time could benefit him and the Kings on the tail end of a back-to-back.  Cousins has a chance to feast on the undersized Phoenix Suns, who are playing without starting center Marcin Gortat because of injury.

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