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 (4-12)
PG: Greivis Vasquez
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Derrick Williams
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins
Los Angeles Lakers Projected Starters (9-9)
PG: Steve Blake
SG: Jodie Meeks
SF: Wesley Johnson
PF: Jordan Hill
C: Pau Gasol
What to watch
1. The Lakers’ fast break offense vs. the Kings’ transition defense
The Lakers blitzed the Kings out of Staples Center in these two teams’ previous meeting last month. In a 14-point victory, Los Angeles outscored Sacramento 20-10 in fast break points as four Lakers finished in double figures. Transition defense remains an area of weakness for the Kings and they will have to do better tonight against Mike D’Antoni‘s ball club.
2. The health of DeMarcus Cousins
The Kings starting center will play tonight after missing Tuesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Coming off a sprained right ankle, how will he fair against Pau Gasol if the Lakers big man plays? Gasol, who is probable for tonight’s match-up following his own ankle injury, schooled Cousins in their last meeting. He finished with a double-double – 20 points and 10 rebounds – in victory.
3. Will the Kings use their athleticism to their advantage?
A week ago, the Kings’ high-flying act was in full effect against the Los Angeles Clippers. Derrick Williams and rookie Ben McLemore put on a show as the two athletic young wings finished numerous plays above the rim in an overtime loss to the Clippers. With the exception of Xavier Henry and Wesley Johnson, the Lakers aren’t an incredibly athletic team. Tonight might be an opportunity for the Kings’ young guns to get their high-flying act back on track.
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