Game 64 Preview: Sacramento Kings at Detroit Pistons

Greg Monroe defended by Jason Thompson. (Photo: Kimani David)
Gametime: 4:30 pm PST

Where: The Palace at Auburn Hills, Detroit, MA.

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

Sacramento Kings Projected Starters (22-40)

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

Detroit Pistons Projected Starters (24-39)

PG: Brandon Jennings
SG: Kyle Singler
SF: Josh Smith
PF: Greg Monroe
C: Andre Drummond



What to watch

1. Andre Drummond versus DeMarcus Cousins

Drummond has improved by leaps and bounds since being drafted into the league in 2012 and is now looked at as one of the true up-and-coming centers in the NBA.  He is coming off an 18 point, 22 rebound performance against the Celtics and averaging a career-high 13.2 points and 13.1 rebounds per game.  If Cousins can get him in foul trouble early, the Kings have a solid shot at snapping their two-game losing streak.

2. Can the Kings move past their selfish play?

The Kings assisted basket numbers have plummeted as the season has worn on, while the turnover numbers have completely gotten out of hand.  Against the Nets, the Kings turned the ball over a season-high 24 times and registered just 11 assists in the loss.  Thomas tied his career-high with seven turnovers and finished with just four assists in 36 minutes.  Sacramento needs to start valuing the ball or this road trip will completely spiral out of control.

3. Will the big three share the spotlight?

Thomas, Gay and Cousins are not only the Kings big three, but they have pretty much become the Kings only three.  It’s time for this trio to get their teammates involved on the offensive end and start moving the ball.  The mark of a great player isn’t how many points they can score, it is whether they can make the players around them better.  So far, no luck.



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