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| The Kings haven't gotten off to a great start so far this season, but the same can't be said for DeMarcus Cousins. Sacramento's center has been dominant, averaging 23.5 points and 9.7 rebounds per game on 49% shooting |
When: 10:00 PM; Wednesday, November 13th, 2013
Where: Sleep Train Arena; Sacramento, CA
TV: YES Network
The Nets have played six games this season, three at home and three on the road, winning just two. Both of those wins came at the Barclays Center, with three of the four defeats occurring in opposing arenas. Brooklyn looks to reverse that ugly trend of poor road play this evening in the capital of California, Sacramento, versus the Kings, who have their own issues right now.
Jason Kidd's team enters tonight's game on a two-game losing streak, falling to the Wizards (on the road) and the still-undefeated Pacers (at home). There aren't very many positives from the Nets' recent games and some veterans on the team are starting to get a little frustrated with the losing, as this squad is performing severely worse than preseason expectations thought it would.
Brooklyn certainly won't be helped by the absence of Andrei Kirilenko, whose back problems–which have plagued him since the preseason–led him to not travel with the Nets to the West Coast for their three-game trip (against the Kings, Suns, and Clippers). Andrei hasn't been his normal self so far in his Nets tenure, but still possesses the size that opposing players have trouble with on offense. The veteran is a great defender when healthy, causing turnovers left and right and not allowing open shots. However, he hasn't been playing at 100 percent, so maybe him sitting out a few days is a good idea.
The Kings, like the Nets, are better than their 1-5 record indicates, but most likely aren't going to be playoff contenders this year or even in the immediate future. Only two Kings players–DeMarcus Cousins (23.5) and Isaiah Thomas (18.0)–are averaging double figures in points, highlighting the stunning lack of balance in Sacramento's offense, explaining why the Kings only won their opener and have lost five games since.
Take a look at the starting lineups and a final thought on the game after the jump:
Probable Lineups
BKN- Deron Williams (PG), Joe Johnson (SG), Paul Pierce (SF), Kevin Garnett (PF), Brook Lopez (C)
SAC- Greivis Vasquez (PG), Ben McLemore (SG), John Salmons (SF), Jason Thompson (PF), DeMarcus Cousins (C)
Final Thoughts
The Kings are a young and highly athletic team with a lot of ability–similarly to the Pacers–but just aren't refined and experienced enough to be a big player in the Western Conference. Still, tonight's contest is one the Nets must win. This road trip doesn't get any better with the Suns and Clippers, which have both gotten off to great starts, coming up next.
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