Gametime: 7:00 pm PT
Where: Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, CA.
Broadcast Information: TV – Comcast SportsNet California, Radio – CBS Sports 1140
For Clippers perspective, visit TrueHoop Network Affiliate Clipper Blog.
The book on the Clippers: The Clippers are tuning up for their second-consecutive postseason run, going 7-3 in their last 10 games. Chris Paul is putting together another MVP-caliber season. The Clippers point guard is averaging 16.6 points while dishing out 9.6 assists per game this year.
Did you know? The Kings have turned the ball over just 10 times total in their last two games. By comparison, they turned the ball over 10 times against the Milwaukee Bucks on Mar. 12.
Kings’ Speech: Keith Smart on Kings’ weakside defense against the Clippers – “They have to be there tonight because now, there will be posters.”
Status Updates: DeMarcus Cousins is questionable with a left-quad contusion. Tyreke Evans is questionable with a sore-right foot.
Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (23-44)
PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Tyreke Evans
SF: John Salmons
PF: Patrick Patterson
C: Jason Thompson
Los Angeles Clippers Probable Starters (46-21)
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Chauncey Billups
SF: Caron Butler
PF: Blake Griffin
C: DeAndre Jordan
Stats
Kings
- Points Per Game: 99.4
- Offensive Rating: 105.7
- Opponents Points Per Game: 104.9
- Defensive Rating: 111.4
- Pace: 93.2
Clippers
- Points Per Game: 100.8
- Offensive Rating: 110.1
- Opponents Points Per Game: 94.2
- Defensive Rating: 102.9
- Pace: 91.4
Three questions to ponder
1. Will DeMarcus Cousins miss a third-consecutive game due to injury?
Cousins participated in his first full practice in almost a week yesterday afternoon. He moved well and was even able to elevate for a dunk late during the scrimmage portion of Monday’s workout session. If his leg feels right, Cousins thinks he’ll give tonight a go.
2. Over/Under: Four dunks combined by DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin.
The Clippers have the most athletic three/four tandem in the NBA. Griffin and Jordan are both capable of rising and finishing with exclamation marks at the rim. Griffin averages 2.5 dunks per game while Jordan throws down about two per contest. As coach Keith Smart noted in practice yesterday, protecting the weakside will be critical in containing the Clippers’ lob attack.
3. Will Patrick Patterson continue to be a factor offensively for the Kings?
Patterson has played well in the place of his injured teammate. Against the Chicago Bulls, the third-year forward scored 11 of his 14 points in the first quarter and in Los Angeles, he chipped in 22 points versus the Lakers. Patterson is shooting an incredible 78 percent over his last two games. If Cousins returns to the floor, can Patterson keep up his current offensive output?
Statistical support provided by NBA.com.
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