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 (11-12)
PG: Darren Collison
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Jason Thompson
C: Ryan Hollins
Detroit Pistons Probable Starters (4-19)
PG: Brandon Jennings
SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
SF: Kyle Singler
PF: Josh Smith
C: Andre Drummond
Three things to ponder
1. Not-so-hot shots
The Pistons enter tonight dead last in the NBA in field goal percentage (40.7), but they don’t lack offensive talent. Detroit’s best big man is Greg Monroe, who can work the post, string jumpers and involve others, and the Pistons’ backcourt trio of Brandon Jennings, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and D.J. Augustin are all explosive off the dribble. Detroit’s shooting struggles can be pinned on consistently terrible shot selection, of which Josh Smith is the poster child (38 percent field goals), so Sacramento must leave them no choice.
2. Cleaning the glass
Andre Drummond (5.3 offensive rebounds per game) and his massive frontcourt partners are very adept at out-muscling opponents for offensive careens. The Kings have done well keeping foes off the offensive boards this year, ranking 10th in the league, but they surrendered 14 in Thursday’s loss against the Houston Rockets, so crashing the glass is most necessary.
3. Playing down to competition
Detroit fielded the same nucleus last season and swept Sacramento 2-0. The Kings need to find the energy and determination to put away an Eastern Conference basement dweller early.
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