Game 2 Preview: Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Jason Thompson defends Blake Griffin. (Photo: Steven Chea)

Gametime: 7:00 pm PST

Where: Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, CA.

Broadcast Information: KHTK Sports 1140 (Radio), Comcast SportsNet California (Television)

Sacramento Kings Projected Starters (1-0)

PG:Greivis Vasquez
SG: Marcus Thornton
SF: John Salmons
PF: Patrick Patterson
C: DeMarcus Cousins

Clippers Projected Starters (0-1)

PG: Chris Paul
SG: J.J. Redick
SF: Jared Dudley
PF: Blake Griffin
C: DeAndre Jordan

What to watch

1. The performance of Marcus Thornton

The veteran shooting guard had a rough start in game No. 1, finishing with just four points on 1-for-6 shooting in 31 minutes.  The Kings need consistent long-range shooting from Thornton or they are going to seek it from another player.  Rookie Ben McLemore looked great in preseason and coach Malone used both Vasquez and Isaiah Thomas in the same backcourt a lot in the opener.

2. Will DeMarcus Cousins blow through another Western Conference frontline?

Cousins made mincemeat out of Denver’s JaVale McGee and Timofey Mozgov on Wednesday in the Kings’ win over the Nuggets.  Sacramento now needs Cousins to find consistency.  No one is expecting 30 points and 14 rebounds every night, but this is an early season statement game against a very talented Clippers club.

3. He didn’t get his contract option picked up, but what does that mean for Jimmer Fredette?

The news that the Kings wouldn’t pick up the fourth year option on Jimmer must have stung.  But now it’s time for the former BYU star to shrug it off and go make himself a viable free agent candidate for this summer.  It’s a long season.  Jimmer will get his shot to play, but he has to be ready when Malone calls his number.

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