Game 31 Preview: Sacramento Kings vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Spencer Hawes waits to check in against the Kings. (Photo: Ron Nabity)

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 (10-20)

PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins

Philadelphia 76ers Projected Starters (10-21)

PG: Michael Carter-Williams
SG: Hollis Thompson
SF: Evan Turner
PF: Thaddeus Young
C: Spencer Hawes

What to watch

1. The reception for former Kings center Spencer Hawes

Hawes will be public enemy No. 1 for Kings fans in today’s game against the 76ers.  The boo-birds came out for Hawes in the Sixers’ last visit to Sacramento last March and the former Kings center took them in stride. Hawes has been a staunch supporter of bringing the NBA back to Seattle, even if it meant relocating the team that selected him 10th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft.  Hawes is having a good season for the Sixers, averaging better than 40 percent shooting from 3-point distance this year.

2. Rudy Gay vs. Evan Turner

In his fourth season, Turner has finally appeared to turn the corner in his NBA career.  The 25-year-old forward has become a focal point in the Sixers’ attack, averaging close to 20 points per game this year.  Meanwhile, Gay has been efficient since joining the Kings last month.  He’s shooting close to 50 percent from the field through 10 games with the Kings.  Advanced statistics don’t really like either of these players, but luckily for them, the game is decided on the court and not on a spreadsheet.

3. Michael Carter-Williams vs. Isaiah Thomas

Carter-Williams and Thomas have been two of the most impressive up-and-coming point guards in the league this season.  Williams missed several games due to a skin infection, but has continued to be one of the better rookies this year.  He’s averaging close to 18 points and eight assists per contest as the Sixers’ starting point guard.  Thomas, meanwhile, has played big minutes since becoming the Kings’ starting point guard and averaged close to 40 minutes per night in 12 games in that starting role.

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