Preseason Game 4 Preview: Phoenix Suns at Sacramento Kings

DeMarcus Cousins and Marcin Gortat share a smile (Photo: Steven Chea)

Gametime: 7:00 pm PST

Where: Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, Ca.

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

Sacramento Kings Projected Starters (2-1)

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

Phoenix Suns Projected Starters (3-1)

PG: Goran Dragic
SG: Eric Bledsoe
SF: James Nunnally
PF: Miles Plumlee
C: Marcin Gortat

What to watch

1. Will coach Michael Malone come back to Jimmer Fredette in game four?

The Jimmer crowd lost their minds after the former BYU star sat out preseason game number one with a DNP-CD.  But Malone came back to Jimmer in game number two, starting him at the shooting guard position alongside Isaiah Thomas.  Jimmer scored seven points, dished out three assists and picked-up two steals in 21 minutes.  With Vasquez making his debut last game, it will be interesting to see if Malone gives Jimmer a look next to a pure passing guard with size.

2. The health of Luc Mbah a Moute

The battle for the small forward position has turned into a white glove slapping match between John Salmons and Travis Outlaw.  Mbah a Moute has once again struggled with knee injuries, limiting him to just 17 minutes of play during the preseason thus far.  It appears that the Kings are bringing the defensive-minded forward along slowly, but the season is only two weeks away.

3. The play of rookie Ben McLemore

McLemore is showing improvement in every game.  He has elite athleticism, unlimited energy and the rookie already moves better without the ball than any of his veteran teammates.  Malone will probably wait as long as possible to hand McLemore the starting job, but I think we are looking at weeks and not months.

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