Gametime: 4:00 pm PT
Where: Amway Center, Orlando, FL.
Broadcast Information: TV – Comcast SportsNet California, Radio – CBS Sports 1140
For Magic perspective, visit fellow TrueHoop Network affiliate Magic Basketball.
The book on the Magic: Record-wise, Orlando is the second-worst team in the league right now. Before last night’s 14-point win over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Magic had lost five-straight games. After six-straight seasons making the postseason, which included a trip to the NBA Finals in 2010, the playoffs are not in the Magic’s sights this year.
Did you know? Former King Hedo Turkoglu was suspended 20 games by the NBA after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. The Magic forward apologized for taking methenolone, an anabloic steroid. He is eligible to return to Orlando’s bench on March 27.
Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (19-39)
PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Tyreke Evans
SF: John Salmons
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins
Orlando Magic Probable Starters (16-41)
PG: E’Twaun Moore
SG: Arron Afflalo
SF: Maurice Harkless
PF: Andrew Nicholson
C: Nikola Vucevic
Stats
Kings
- Points Per Game: 97.6
- Offensive Rating: 101.1
- Opponents Points Per Game: 103.8
- Defensive Rating: 109.2
- Pace: 95.25
Magic
- Points Per Game: 93.9
- Offensive Rating: 99.5
- Opponents Points Per Game: 98.9
- Defensive Rating: 105.5
- Pace: 93.78
Three questions to ponder
1. How will Marcus Thornton follow-up his performance against the Heat last night?
Thornton played his best game of the season against the defending champions. He came off the bench last night to lead the Kings in scoring with 36 points and made a career-high eight 3-pointers. After leading Sacramento in scoring last season, the Kings sixth man is averaging just 12 points per game this year.
2. How much effect will the Kings’ double-overtime loss in Miami have on tonight’s game in Orlando?
Sacramento has played 12 games on zero days rest this season and posted a 5-7 record. It’s only an hour flight from Miami to Orlando, so they have travel working in their favor for tonight’s match-up. However, that doesn’t change the fact that Keith Smart played five players 40 minutes or more yesterday evening.
3. Can the Kings contain Nikola Vucevic on the glass?
Nikola Vucevic should be a candidate for the league’s Most Improved Player award. In his second NBA season, the Magic starting center is averaging a double double, scoring 12.3 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. He has proven to be a load on the boards this year. In Orlando’s win over Philadelphia last night, Vucevic grabbed a game-high 19 rebounds against his former team.
Statistical support provided by NBA.com.
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