Game 59 Preview: Sacramento Kings vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Derrick Williams prepares to check in against the Boston Celtics. (Photo: Jonathan Santiago)

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 (20-38)

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

Minnesota Timberwolves Projected Starters (28-29)

PG: Ricky Rubio
SG: Chase Budinger
SF: Dante Cunningham
PF: Corey Brewer
C: Kevin Love



What to watch

1. Will DeMarcus Cousins pick up his 16th technical foul?

Cousins returns to the Kings’ lineup after being suspended for last night’s loss against the Lakers.  However, will his return to the Kings’ lineup be just a one-night affair?  Cousins is one technical foul away from receiving an automatic suspension from the league.  Nikola Pekovic usually irritates Cousins when the Wolves and Kings get together.  However, he won’t be in the Timberwolves’ lineup tonight due to injury.

2. How will Derrick Williams follow up his double-double performance in L.A.?

Williams had a homecoming of sorts in Los Angeles, finishing with 26 points and 12 rebounds in yesterday’s 126-122 loss to the Lakers.  Starting in place of the suspended Cousins, it was his fourth double-double of the season.  Tonight, Williams plays host to the team that drafted him in 2011 and then traded him to Sacramento earlier this year.  In his first game against his old team, Williams tallied 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting and five rebounds.

3. Can Ben McLemore take advantage of his opportunity?

In last night’s offensive affair in Los Angeles, the Kings rookie shooting guard found himself helpless on both sides of the floor.  He managed to go scoreless while watching Jordan Farmar, MarShon Brooks and Jodie Meeks combine to score 75 of the Lakers’ 126 points.  With Marcus Thornton and Jimmer Fredette out of the picture, McLemore has been given the keys to car in Sacramento.  However, he’s struggled to thrive with his increased playing time.

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