Gametime: 6:30 pm PT
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA.
Broadcast Information: TV – Comcast SportsNet California, Radio – CBS Sports 1140
For Lakers perspective, visit TrueHoop Network Affiliate Forum Blue And Gold.
The book on the Lakers: It’s been quite some time since the Kings and Lakers last squared off. Since then, things have headed in an upward trend for Los Angeles. In their 13 games following the All-Star break, the Lakers have posted a 10-3 record. They currently hold a half game lead over the Utah Jazz for the eighth and final playoff spot out west.
Did you know? The Kings turned the ball over just five times in Wednesday’s 42-point blowout victory over the Chicago Bulls. That’s a season best.
Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (23-43)
PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Tyreke Evans
SF: John Salmons
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins
Los Angeles Lakers Probable Starters (35-32)
PG: Steve Nash
SG: Jodie Meeks
SF: Metta World Peace
PF: Earl Clark
C: Dwight Howard
Stats
Kings
- Points Per Game: 99.4
- Offensive Rating: 105.6
- Opponents Points Per Game: 104.7
- Defensive Rating: 111.3
- Pace: 93.2
Lakers
- Points Per Game: 102.3
- Offensive Rating: 107.7
- Opponents Points Per Game: 101.1
- Defensive Rating: 106.4
- Pace: 94.7
Three questions to ponder
1. Will DeMarcus Cousins play in tonight’s game in Los Angeles?
Cousins has rarely missed games in his three-year career due to injury or illness. As a center, he’s takes quite a pounding to his body yet it’s hardly stopped him from staying on the court. The left-quad contusion he suffered a week ago could sideline him for a second-consecutive game. However, he did travel with the team to Los Angeles for tonight’s match-up with the Lakers.
2. Will Kobe Bryant play in tonight’s game in Los Angeles
After spraining his ankle Wednesday in Atlanta, Bryant was deemed out of the lineup “indefinitely” by the Lakers. But to some surprise, he gave it a go on Friday and played 12 minutes in the Lakers’ road victory over the Pacers. Bryant has played through injury before and like Cousins, pain has never stopped him from getting on the court. His opponents are preparing like he’ll be out there tonight.
3. Will these two teams combine to score more than 230 points?
These two teams play a similar style of basketball geared toward filling up the scoring columns. The Kings’ offense has been high octane since February, scoring 100 points or more in 14 of their last 16 outings. The Lakers, meanwhile, have averaged 105.2 points per game since All-Star Weekend, which is three points better than their season average.
Statistical support provided by NBA.com.
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