After losing four consecutive games, the Sacramento Kings try to win their second-straight contest when they welcome the Washington Wizards into Sleep Train Arena. The Wizards are winners of their last two games with victories coming against the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic.
The Wizards’ small success in the last four days has coincided with John Wall‘s return to the lineup. The 22-year-old point guard had missed Washington’s first 33 games of the season because of an injury to his left kneecap. His return adds some much needed speed and quickness to the Wizards’ lineup. His presence also brings a few intangible elements to Washington’s attack according to Kings head coach Keith Smart.
Because he’s back, it settles down their team. You know, here is the point guard. He didn’t start last night, but he’s still in that mode of being a guy that when he comes in, everyone knows he’s the starting point guard. And everything kind of starts to slow down a little bit for the rest of the team. But it also helps the guy who’s been in the role of playing as a starter… So if John is not playing well because of conditioning and trying to get himself going again, they have a reliable guy (in front of him).
Tonight’s game also marks the first time Thomas Robinson will play against his hometown team. Robinson grew up in the D.C. area before heading to Kansas for college. The Wizards also had a chance to draft the rookie forward last June, but instead decided to take shooting guard Bradley Beal instead.
Robinson says there’s no added motivation to play against the Wizards because of his ties to the nation’s capital.
Nothing different. I’m gonna give my all no matter if its them or the Lakers, whoever we play. Just treat it as another day, another team.
Tip-off between the Kings and Wizards is set for 7 pm at Sleep Train Arena. Follow Cowbell Kingdom for continued pre and postgame coverage throughout the day.
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