Live from the locker room: Kings vs. 76ers

BenMcLemoreNewHair

Here is the latest news live from Sleep Train Arena:

  • The Sacramento Kings (24-45) are on the verge of their first three-game win streak since November, and the only thing standing in their way is the Philadelphia 76ers (17-53).  These two teams met 11 days ago at the Wells Fargo Center in Philly and the 76ers came away with the 114-107 victory.  But the Sixers are a completely different team on the road where they have lost 15 straight.
  • DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay are still listed on the injury report as probable, but both will play tonight.  For the third straight contest, Gay will start at the four alongside Cousins with Omri Casspi getting the nod at the three.
  • Gay has been tremendous under Karl’s tutelage, averaging 24.5 points in 15 games with the coaching legend.  “He’s committed himself for a 30-game stretch to learn and commit to a new system,” Karl said.  “His offense has flowed.  It’s got some efficiency to it.  I think we’re asking him to expand his game a little bit, which I think is always challenging to a very talented player.”
  • Despite being drafted with the sixth pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Nerlens Noel is still considered a rookie after missing all of last season.  The 20-year-old big man is beginning to blossom under head coach Brett Brown, and tonight he faces the tall task of slowing DeMarcus Cousins.  “He’s a prideful learner, he’s a prideful studier,” Brown said.  “Part of the greatest challenge we have as a coaching staff, led by myself, is trying to find a way to teach.  We have 20-year-olds all over the place.”
  • Tonight is a throwback night in Sacramento.  The players are dressed in uniforms that pay homage to the franchise’s time in Rochester, New York.
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