Preseason Game 3 Preview: Los Angeles Clippers at Sacramento Kings

Chris Paul and Isaiah Thomas. (Photo: Tobin Halsey)

Gametime: 7:00 pm PST

Where: Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, Ca.

Broadcast Information: KHTK Sports 1140 (Radio), No Television

Sacramento Kings Projected Starters (1-1)

PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Marcus Thornton
SF: John Salmons
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins

Los Angeles Clippers Projected Starters (2-1)

PG: Chris Paul
SG: Willie Green
SF: Jared Dudley
PF: Blake Griffin
C: DeAndre Jordan

What to watch

1. The debut of Greivis Vasquez

Vasquez is scheduled to make his debut in a Sacramento Kings jersey tonight after missing the two preseason games.  While away, Isaiah Thomas has made a strong case to retain his starting point guard position.  There is no word whether Vasquez will start or come off the bench, but coach Malone will likely keep a tight watch on his minutes throughout the preseason.

2. The battle of the bigs

Jason Thompson and Patrick Patterson have taken turns starting alongside DeMarcus Cousins in the Kings’ first two games.  With Carl Landry struggling with a thigh injury, Thompson appears to have taken the lead in the battle of the bigs.  If Patterson wants to jump back in the fray, he needs to improve on his paltry 3.5 rebounds per game in 24.5 minutes of action.

3. Travis Outlaw playing his way into the starting small forward conversation

The nine-year veteran put on a show against the Lakers, dropping in a team-leading 18 points on 7-for-9 shooting.  After two poor seasons in a Kings uniform, it appears that Outlaw is getting the same fresh start that the rest of his Kings teammates are getting.  With John Salmons struggling early on and Luc Mbah a Moute nursing a sore knee, a door has opened.  Outlaw is bigger, more athletic and a better shooter than his competition, but that hasn’t seemed to translate into playing time in the past.

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