Gametime: 3:00 pm PT
Where: Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, CA.
Broadcast Information: TV – Comcast SportsNet, Radio – CBS Sports 1140
For Grizzlies perspective, visit TrueHoop Network Affiliate 3 Shades of Blue.
The book on the Grizzlies: The Grizzlies are 18-7 following the All-Star Break, which is the third best record in the league since that point in the season. They’ve also won 22 of their last 31 games since trading away former cornerstone Rudy Gay to the Toronto Raptors.
Did you know? Jason Thompson is just 18 rebounds away from matching Wayman Tisdale for sixth place on the Kings’ all-time list for rebounds in the Sacramento era.
Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (27-49)
PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Tyreke Evans
SF: John Salmons
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins
Memphis Grizzlies Probable Starters (51-25)
PG: Mike Conley
SG: Tony Allen
SF: Tayshaun Prince
PF: Zach Randolph
C: Marc Gasol
Stats
Kings
- Points Per Game: 100.1
- Offensive Rating: 104.9
- Opponents Points Per Game: 103.9
- Defensive Rating: 111.5
- Pace: 93.4
Grizzlies
- Points Per Game: 93.7
- Offensive Rating: 105.1
- Opponents Points Per Game: 89.8
- Defensive Rating: 100.7
- Pace: 88.5
Three questions to ponder
1. Will DeMarcus Cousins be a factor today against the Grizzlies?
For unknown reasons, Cousins was benched Friday against the Dallas Mavericks. He played a total of nine minutes in the loss, all of his playing time coming in the second quarter. Smart said that Cousins would be back in the lineup today against the Grizzlies. Against Marc Gasol, who’s playing hurt, can Cousins have a bounceback game for the Kings?
2. Will Marc Gasol be a factor today against the Kings?
As Memphis makes their push toward the playoffs, the Grizzlies starting center is playing with an abdominal tear. The injury has lingered for Gasol since the beginning of March, but he’s managed to deal with it during this late stretch of the season. In his previous outing against the Lakers, Gasol posted a respectable line, finishing with 11 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
3. Can the Kings cut off the Grizzlies’ passing attack?
The Grizzlies aren’t one of the best passing teams in the league. However, the Kings have had a habit of leaving much to be desired on the defensive end in their last few games. In four out of their last six outings, Sacramento has allowed opponents to record 30 or more assists. Since acquring Tayshaun Prince, Austin Daye and Ed Davis, the Grizzlies have posted four games where they’ve recorded 30 or more assists.
Statistical support provided by NBA.com.
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