Game 1 Preview: Sacramento Kings at Chicago Bulls

DeMarcus Cousins finishes around the rim versus the Chicago Bulls (Photo: Steven Chea)

Gametime: 5:00 pm PST

Where:  United Center, Chicago, IL.

Broadcast Information: Click here.

For Bulls perspective, visit fellow TrueHoop Network affiliate By The Horns.

Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (0-0)

PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Tyreke Evans
SF: James Johnson
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins

Chicago Bulls Probable Starters (0-0)

PG: Kirk Hinrich
SG: Richard Hamilton
SF: Luol Deng
PF: Carlos Boozer
C: Joakim Noah

Three questions to ponder

1. Who finishes the game for the Sacramento Kings?

As Keith Smart and Aaron Brooks said Monday, match-ups and situation will be in play when determining who finishes games for the Kings.  If this contest is close, Smart’s biggest challenge will be deciding which guards to play.  Brooks, Isaiah Thomas, Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton can’t all be on the floor at the same time.

2. Who cracks Keith Smart’s rotation?

The four men who’ll see heavy playing time off the Kings’ bench will likely be Chuck Hayes, Thomas Robinson, Brooks and Thornton.  Luol Deng is the focal point of the Bulls’ offense and the Kings may need the length of Travis Outlaw on defense to spell James Johnson at small forward.  Will Jimmer Fredette and/or Francisco Garcia make an appearance?

3. Can the Kings win the point guard match-up?

The Bulls are hurting at the lead guard position.  Derrick Rose is still nursing himself back to health after knee surgery.  Starter Kirk Hinrich isn’t 100 percent either after straining his groin against the Oklahoma City Thunder last week. With Brooks, Thomas and Fredette, the Kings have the youth and speed advantage.  However, Bulls newcomer Nate Robinson had some of his best performances as a Golden State Warrior against the Kings last season.

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