Game 81 Preview: LA Lakers at Sacramento Kings

Derrick-Williams-haha


Game time: 7:00 p.m. PDT

Where: Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, CA.

Broadcast Information: KHTK Sports 1140 (Radio), Comcast SportsNet California (Local Television)


Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (27-53)

PG: Ray McCallum
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Omri Casspi
PF: Carl Landry
C: Jason Thompson

Los Angeles Lakers Probable Starters (21-59)

PG: Jordan Clarkson
SG: Jabari Brown
SF: Ryan Kelly
PF: Tarik Black
C: Jordan Hill


Three things to ponder

1. Walking wounded

Sacramento may be without DeMarcus Cousins (foot), Rudy Gay (concussion), Darren Collison (hip), Reggie Evans (thumb) and Eric Moreland (shoulder) for this contest, but they should consider themselves lucky. Los Angeles can barely field a roster sans Kobe Bryant (shoulder), Nik Young (knee), Jeremy Lin (knee), Wesley Johnson (ankle), Ronnie Price (elbow), Julius Randle (leg), Wayne Ellington (hand) and Dwight Buycks (hand).

2. Invitations to score

The Kings and Lakers play “defense” by name only. Sacramento ranks 29th in points allowed while Los Angeles sits 28th. Both teams struggle mightily guarding the perimeter and getting back in transition. A little more focus than usual on the less glamorous end of the court could be the difference tonight.

3. LA’s young hope

Los Angeles may have a new mamba. Jordan Clarkson, the 46th pick of last summer’s draft, has been the Lakers’ biggest surprise all season. Since joining the starting unit on January 23, the point has produced 15.6 points on 45.7 percent shooting, five assists and 4.2 rebounds a game. Clarkson will face the Kings for the first time in his career after sitting out the last two matches.

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