Game time: 7:00 p.m. PDT
Where: Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, CA.
Broadcast Information: KHTK Sports 1140 (Radio), Comcast SportsNet California (Local Television)
Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (10-9)
PG: Darren Collison
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Jason Thompson
C: Ryan Hollins
Orlando Magic Probable Starters (8-14)
PG: Victor Oladipo
SG: Evan Fournier
SF: Tobias Harris
PF: Channing Frye
C: Kyle O’Quinn
Three things to ponder
1. Defending the arc
The Magic don’t rely on 3’s, much like the Kings, but they are much more efficient (37.3 percent accuracy). Victor Oladipo (42.9), Evan Fournier (42.2), Channing Frye (41.2) and Tobias Harris (39.6) are all on fire from deep, so the Kings must react appropriately.
2. Big “Vuc”
DeMarcus Cousins and Dwight Howard may hog the headlines, but Nikola Vucevic is making his case to be an elite NBA center. The well-rounded pivot is averaging a career-high 18.6 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, which is even more impressive considering he plays alongside the finesse, fearful-of-physicality Frye. Vucevic has been battling back spasms over the past week and is listed as questionable, so the Kings can only hope he sits out.
3. Big statement
Cousins (virus) is expected to miss his fifth straight game but should return on Monday. Knowing that, will Sacramento mail it in against a poor Eastern Conference club in anticipation of their star’s return? Or will they put the Magic in their place and build on the Kings’ momentum from yesterday? The performance tonight should tell a lot about this team’s makeup.
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