Game 36 Preview: Denver Nuggets at Sac Kings

Sacramento_Kings_Jason_Thompson_Danilo_Galinari


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 (15-20)

PG: Darren Collison
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins

Denver Nuggets Probable Starters (16-20)

PG: Ty Lawson
SG: Aaron Afflalo
SF: Darrell Arthur
PF: Kenneth Faried
C: Jusuf Nurkic


Three things to ponder

1. Pounding the paint

In the Kings’ prior two matches with the Nuggets this season, both victories, Sacramento drew a whopping 97 total free throw attempts. Denver’s two best rim protectors, JaVale McGee (leg) and Timofey Mozgov (traded on Wednesday) are unavailable, which should have the Kings offense salivating at the mouth.

2. Ball control

The Kings rank 27th in the NBA in turnovers per game (15.8), yet they managed to keep lost possessions relatively low in the two wins versus Denver. The Nuggets sit 23rd in the league in steals per game (6.8), but it only takes one hand to shoot at the foot.

3. Defense?

Sacramento held the Oklahoma City Thunder to 83 points on 32.6 percent shooting on Wednesday, season-lows for a Kings opponent. Sacramento is obviously capable, but can the home team maintain the relentless defensive effort in a classic trap game setting?

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