Game 17 Preview: Grizzlies at Kings

Marc_Gasol


Game time: 3:00 p.m. PDT

Where: Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, CA.

Broadcast Information: KHTK Sports 1140 (Radio), Comcast SportsNet California (Local Television)


Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (9-7)

PG: Darren Collison
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Jason Thompson
C: Ryan Hollins

Memphis Grizzlies Probable Starters (14-2)

PG: Mike Conley
SG: Courtney Lee
SF: Tony Allen
PF: Zach Randolph
C: Marc Gasol


Three things to ponder

1. Complete game effort

In their fateful matchup on November 13, the Kings raced off to a 44-20 second quarter lead before poor offensive execution and lax defense allowed to Grizzlies to claw back and eventually win. To beat a Memphis team with the best record in the NBA, Sacramento must stay focused and active for 48 minutes.

2. The turnover battle

Recent troubles taking care of the ball have allowed the Kings to slip to 25th in the league in team turnovers (15 per game) as they prepare to take on the Grizzlies who are ninth in the NBA in steals (eight per contest). Sacramento lost 15 turnovers and allowed Memphis to score 24 points off those miscues two weeks ago, so every possession needs to be valued like gold.

3. Slowing the point of attack

Last time, Mike Conley torched the Kings to the tune of 22 points, 11 assists, a steal and a turnover. Darren Collison will need to do a better job pressuring Conley up the court and on the perimeter, and force him to work when the Kings are on offense as well.

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