Live from the locker room: Kings vs. Spurs

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Here is the latest news live from Sleep Train Arena:

  • The Sacramento Kings (20-35) try to to make it two in a row tonight when they take on the San Antonio Spurs (34-23) at Sleep Train Arena.  Unfortunately, they will have to go into battle without 40 percent of their starting lineup.  Darren Collison is likely lost for the season with a core muscle injury and DeMarcus Cousins will miss tonight’s contest with a left ankle sprain and hip contusion. “I think there’s more hope for Sunday,” coach George Karl said during pregame.  “He’s in a boot today, so he was still wobbling.”
  • With Cousins ailing, Karl will turn to veteran Carl Landry to play alongside Jason Thompson.  “I’m probably going to start Carl,” Karl said during pregame.  “Just more of a veteran presence against a veteran team, a championship team.  Rotate the game quickly and probably more often.”
  • Karl and Gregg Popovich are very close off the court.  The two worked together on the 2002 Olympic Team and have a great respect for each other. “I love coaching against Pop,” Karl said of his long-time friend.  “I think he’s the best in the NBA.  I know everybody’s going to put Phil (Jackson) above Pop, (but) I think Pop is the toughest guy I’ve ever coached against.”
  • Popovich had similar things to say about Karl.  “George who?” Popovich said with a smile.  “He’s a pain in the ass.  He’s a special guy.  He’s a character.  First of all, he’s one heck of a coach, but he’s a character, he loves the game, he’s a lifer, he lives and breathes it and I’m sure he feels whole again now he’s back in.”
  • Tonight is another “Legends Night” in Sacramento.  Doug Christie, Scot Pollard and Bobby Jackson are all in attendance as part of the Kings’ 30th year in Sacramento celebration.
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