The Kings put up an embarrassing defensive effort in Los Angeles yesterday and need to do much better to beat the Timberwolves.
In the second night of a back to back, the Kings take on the Wolves (7:00 pm on Comcast SportsNet California and KHTK 1140) after an embarrassing loss in Los Angeles where they gave up 19 of 27 threes to the Lakers. The Kings were of course without DeMarcus Cousins, suspended for punching Patrick Beverly. The Kings are now 0-10 without Cousins, who will be back in action tonight.
MATCHUP OF THE GAME
DeMarcus Cousins vs. Kevin Love
Two of the best big men in the league, not exactly going head to head, but if one gets going, that could change the course of the game for their team. Love is a threat all the way out to the three point line and with his passing, but Cousins is stronger in the post and a better defender. Cousins also has the benefit of a day of rest and hopefully something to prove.
3 THINGS
1. The Wolves could be without Kevin Martin and Nikola Pekovic, or they could have both. Martin's been out for a while with a fractured thumb, and Pekovic has been dealing with ankle bursitis. Pekovic is one of the few players that seems to give Cousins consistent trouble thanks to his strength, so if he's gone, that's a big boon for the Kings. If not, Cousins will have to have another performance like he did the last time the Kings played Minnesota.
2. The Timberwolves are better than their record indicates. According to their point differential, they should be 36-21, but instead are 28-29 as they've lost an astounding amount of close games. They've only won two games that have been decided by five points or less out of 16.
3. The Wolves are actually a solid defensive team, but they're one of the worst shot blocking teams in the league. Their defense is all about forcing turnovers and bad shots, but if you can attack the rim consistently, you can score on them. The Kings are blessed with multiple guys that can do that.
START FOUR
We'll announce the winner of the Start Four contest soon, thanks for playing.
PRE-GAME HAIKU
19 freaking threes???
Jordan Farmar hit 8? Wow.
Pretend to play D.
PREDICTION
Kings 108, Timberwolves 308 as Minnesota hits 91 threes.