Gametime: 4:30 pm PT
Where: The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, MI.
Broadcast Information: TV – Comcast SportsNet California, Radio – 1140 The Fan
For Pistons perspective, visit fellow TrueHoop Network affiliate PistonPowered.
The book on the Pistons: Following a six-game losing streak, the Pistons have bounced back to post a 3-1 record over their last four games. They’ve won their last two contests, including a 109-99 win over the defending champion Miami Heat.
Did you know? Greg Monroe recorded his first-career triple-double in the Pistons’ last meeting with the Kings. He posted 21 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in defeat.
Status Updates: Tyreke Evans is out with left knee soreness. Marcus Thornton is out with a sprained left ankle. Aaron Brooks is probable with a sore left ankle.
Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (11-19)
PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Marcus Thornton
SF: John Salmons
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins
Detroit Pistons Probable Starters (11-22)
PG: Brandon Knight
SG: Kyle Singler
SF: Tayshaun Prince
PF: Jason Maxiell
C: Greg Monroe
Stats and Rankings
Kings
- Points Per Game: 96.8 (15 out of 30)
- Offensive Rating: 104.3 (27 out of 30)
- Opponents Points Per Game: 101.8 (27 out of 30)
- Defensive Rating: 109.6 (28 out of 30)
- Pace: 92.2 (11 out of 30)
Pistons
- Points Per Game: 94.9 (21 out of 30)
- Offensive Rating: 104.2 (18 out of 30)
- Opponents Points Per Game: 96.6 (13 out of 30)
- Defensive Rating: 106.1 (20 out of 30)
- Pace: 90.0 (27 out of 30)
Three questions to ponder
1. Who comes out ahead in the match-up between Greg Monroe and DeMarcus Cousins?
This is always a fun battle to watch. Last time around, Monroe won the individual match-up, while Cousins won the game. As long as these two are relevant in the NBA, they will always be compared to one another. Monroe may not be as gifted as Cousins, but he’s proven to make just as much, if not more of a difference for his team early in his career.
2. Can the Kings continue to space the floor?
A prime reason for the Kings’ improved ball movement has been their improved spacing. Players are doing a better job of not crowding areas on the floor, which has led to better passing lanes and opportunities. The Kings have recorded 25 or more assists in their last four games because of their spacing. Can it travel with them on the first game of this east coast swing?
3. Will Andre Drummond leave the Kings wondering what if?
The young Pistons big man has been played well in his last five games, particularly on the glass. Before the Pistons’ win Sunday over the Bucks, Drummond had tallied double-figures in rebounds in four-straight games, including a career-high 14 against the Wizards. Per 36 minutes, the 19-year-old center is averaging 13 points and 13 rebounds a contest. By comparison, Thomas Robinson has struggled to carve out playing time in the Kings’ rotation lately, notching just six minutes of action in Sacramento’s last two games.
Statistical support provided by NBA.com.
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