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 (20-35)
PG: Ray McCallum
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Jason Thompson
C: Carl Landry
San Antonio Spurs Probable Starters (34-23)
PG: Tony Parker
SG: Danny Green
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Tim Duncan
C: Tiago Splitter
Three things to ponder
1. Halfcourt defense
The Spurs can say confidently that defense wins championships. When Sacramento beat San Antonio way back on November 15, the Kings held the reigning titleholders to 42.5 percent shooting from the floor and 29.2 percent from behind the arc. No coincidence there.
2. Bench play
Sacramento’s bench has noticeably improved since point guard Andre Miller and head coach George Karl came to town, but they’ll face a San Antonio second unit which ranks top five in the league in points, rebounds and defensive efficiency. Would-be starters Manu Ginobili, Boris Diaw and Patty Mills can’t be overlooked by the Kings’ reserves.
3. Battle of brains
Karl coached a flawless fourth quarter in a win versus the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. The 63-year-old will be put to the test in a duel of basketball chess against legend Gregg Povovich.
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