Game time: 7:00 p.m. PDT
Where: Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, Ca.
Broadcast Information: KHTK Sports 1140 (Radio), Comcast SportsNet California (Local Television), NBA TV
Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (6-4)
PG: Darren Collison
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins
New Orleans Pelicans Probable Starters (5-4)
PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Eric Gordon
SF: Tyreke Evans
PF: Anthony Davis
C: Alexis Ajinca
Three things to ponder
1. Pressuring the rock
The Pelicans care for the ball like a parent protects his or her child, ranking second in the NBA in turnovers per game (11) and assist-to-turnover ratio (2.13). New Orleans also converts its possessions into made baskets, sitting seventh in field-goal percentage (46.6) and 10th in 3-point percentage (37) to produce the eighth-highest scoring offense in the league. Sacramento must find a way to throw off the Pelicans’ rhythm and create havoc in New Orleans’ half-court sets.
2. Slowing the fours
Jason Thompson and the rest of the Kings forwards have a strenuous task at hand. They will be responsible for guarding Anthony Davis, a two-way star with very few holes in his game, and stretch big Ryan Anderson, a deadly sniper who can tussle down low as well. Michael Malone will likely have to throw multiple bodies at them.
3. Three Kings
Ex-Kings Tyreke Evans, Jimmer Fredette and John Salmons return to the arena they once called home. The trio’s motivations are clear, but the current Kings may want to make a statement of their own. Their effectiveness facing former teammates who know their tendencies well is worth monitoring.
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