Game 80 Preview: Sacramento Kings at Los Angeles Clippers

DeMarcus Cousins scans the floor against DeAndre Jordan of the Clippers. (Photo: Jonathan Santiago)

Gametime: 12:30 pm PT

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA

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



Sacramento Kings Projected Starters (27-52)

PG: Ray McCallum
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins

Los Angeles Clippers Projected Starters (55-27)

PG: Chris Paul
SG: J.J. Redick
SF: Matt Barnes
PF: Blake Griffin
C: DeAndre Jordan

What to watch

1. What kind of shape will Rudy Gay be in after missing the Kings’ last two games?

Rudy Gay has missed the Kings’ last two contests due to a strained lower back.  Kings coach Michael Malone said that Gay would be back in the lineup today after practicing yesterday.  Before sitting out the last two contests, the veteran forward played one of his best games of the season against the Dallas Mavericks.  In the loss, Gay nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing with 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

2. Another double-double for DMC?

Without question, DeMarcus Cousins has had the best year of his four-year career.  The Kings starting center has broken a few franchise records this year, including the most double-doubles in a single season.  Last game, Cousins finished with 30 points and 12 rebounds, putting him at 51 double-doubles this season and moving him ahead of Chris Webber‘s 50 double-doubles that he totaled during the 2000-01 season.  Cousins will have his hands full against a frontline that features Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.

3. Can the Kings get Blake Griffin foul trouble?

Griffin has risen to a superstar level in his fifth NBA season.  The Clippers big man is averaging 24.1 points and 9.6 rebounds while also dishing out close to four assists per game.  However, Griffin does have one weakness.  He’s averaging roughly 3.3 fouls per game and drawn 260 total personals, which ranks him as one of the top foul committers in the league this season.



Arrow to top