Game 56 Preview: Sacramento Kings vs. Denver Nuggets

DeMarcus Cousins and Kenneth Faried during free throws in the Kings' 2013-14 home opener. (Photo: Jonathan Santiago)
Gametime: 5:00 pm PT

Where: Pepsi Center, Denver, CO

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

Sacramento Kings Projected Starters (19-36)

PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins

Denver Nuggets Projected Starters (25-29)

PG: Aaron Brooks
SG: Randy Foye
SF: Wilson Chandler
PF: Kenneth Faried
C: J.J. Hickson


 


What to watch

1. The health of DeMarcus Cousins

After last night’s night win over the Celtics, Cousins expressed discomfort in his return from injury.  The Kings starting center played his first game since the All-Star Break after suffering a left hip flexor injury against the New York Knicks.  Cousins said he felt physically limited in his return and didn’t sound exactly confident about playing in tonight’s game.  In the second game in as many nights, it will be interesting to see how Cousins fares in the Mile High City.

2. Consistency from Ben McLemore

Last evening, Ben McLemore got going early against the Boston Celtics.  He was one of seven Kings players to score in double figures and finished the game with 11 points on 4-of-9 shooting from the field.  Consistency has been an issue for McLemore this season – on both sides of the floor.  The onus will be on Isaiah Thomas to find a way to get his rookie teammate going offensively in tonight’s game.

3. Progression from Carl Landry

Carl Landry had his best game of the season in Saturday’s win over the Celtics.  The Kings reserve forward came off the bench to score 10 points on an efficient 4-of-6 shooting from the field and collected six rebounds.  Landry is still working his way back to health after undergoing hip surgery in October.  Much like Cousins, how will Landry perform under the circumstances of his second game in as many nights?

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