Gametime: 5:00 pm PT
Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Broadcast Information: KHTK Sports 1140 (Radio), Comcast SportsNet California (Local Television)
Sacramento Kings Projected Starters (25-48)
PG: Ray McCallum
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Reggie Evans
C: DeMarcus Cousins
New Orleans Pelicans Projected Starters (32-41)
PG: Brian Roberts
SG: Eric Gordon
SF: Tyreke Evans
PF: Anthony Davis
C: Greg Stiemsma
What to watch
1. Does DeMarcus Cousins break his double-double-less streak?
The Kings starting center is averaging a healthy 22.1 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, making him one of three players in NBA to post such stats this season (Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge are other two). Cousins, however, has failed to post a double-double in the previous two games of this three-game road trip. He posted just 17 points and seven rebounds against Dallas and was limited to just four points and four rebounds in Oklahoma City. If the Pelicans can get Cousins in foul trouble, his two-game streak with no double-doubles will likely extend to three.
2. Can the Kings contain Tyreke Evans?
Since entering the Pelicans’ starting lineup, the former Kings swingman has played some of his best basketball of the season. In 13 starts this year, he’s posted numbers familiar to Kings fans. Evans has averaged 20.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists per contest and shot better than 50 percent from the field. The 24-year-old swingman always tries to bring it against his former squad. Expect nothing less from Evans tonight in New Orleans.
3. Can the Kings turn the ball over less than 12 times?
The Kings struggles handling the basketball have been well documented. In the month of March, they are averaging 17.1 turnovers per game, which is their worst mark of the season. The Pelicans, meanwhile, are no strangers to pick pocketing their opponents, averaging exactly eight steals per contest. New Orleans has also forced 12 or more turnovers from their opponents in 54 out of 73 games this year. Rookie Ray McCallum will hold major responsibility in this area if Isaiah Thomas misses another game due to injury.
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