Game time: 7:30 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 (11-10)
PG: Darren Collison
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Reggie Evans
C: Jason Thompson
Los Angeles Lakers Probable Starters (5-16)
PG: Ronnie Price
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: Wesley Johnson
PF: Ed Davis
C: Jordan Hill
Three things to ponder
1. Public Enemy No. 24
Kobe Bryant is back, and whether he admits it or not, playing the Kings is personal. This season the 16-time All-Star is taking 22.1 shots a game but making only 38.9 percent. Sacramento must force Bryant into tough attempts and attack the weathered 36-year-old on the other end.
2. Second chances
The Lakers aren’t an efficient shooting team (22nd in the NBA at 44.2 percent), but they dominate the offensive glass (12 per game). Jordan Hill is averaging 3.8 offensive boards per game, while Ed Davis isn’t far behind with 2.7, so the Kings frontcourt can’t diminish boxing out.
3. Offense from within
When you step into a shootout, it helps to bring a little firepower. With DeMarcus Cousins (virus) out, the Kings will need contributors on offense in any shape or form to ease the burden off Rudy Gay. Two ways to produce points out of thin air is at the foul line and in transition, where the Lakers have been terrible (28th in free throw attempts allowed and opponent fast break points per game). Their inability to defend cleanly and get back on defense has directly correlated to allowing the most points in the NBA per game (110.9).
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