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 (10-21)
PG:Isaiah Thomas
SG:Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins
Charlotte Bobcats Projected Starters (14-20)
PG: Kemba Walker
SG: Gerald Henderson
SF: Anthony Tolliver
PF: Josh McRoberts
C: Al Jefferson
What to watch
1. Avoiding a slow start
The Kings never really got into a rhythm Thursday when they faced the Philadelphia 76ers. They allowed Philadelphia to outscore them 61-51 in the first half, which was basically the difference in the game. The Kings can’t allow the Bobcats, who are one of the lowest scoring teams in the league, to get off to a strong start tonight. If they do, the same result as Thursday’s match-up with the Sixers is sure to follow.
2. The Bobcats’ D
Under new coach Steve Clifford, the Bobcats have become one of the better defensive teams in the league. They are only giving up 95.6 points per game this year and rank sixth in the NBA in defensive rating coming into tonight’s match-up. The Bobcats are especially strong at defending in transition, allowing a league-low 9.9 fast break points per game. They are also at their best while defending the rim, where they’re allowing just 35.8 points in the paint per contest. That’s second-fewest in the NBA.
3. Will Marcus Thornton and Ben McLemore come alive offensively?
The Kings got no production out of their shooting guards Thursday night. Thornton and McLemore combined to go 1-for-11 from the field for two points between them. Jimmer Fredette stepped up in their stead, finishing with 15 points off the Kings’ bench. However, the Kings need offensive production out of one or both of their shooting guards to compliment the output of Isaiah Thomas, Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins.
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