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The Sacramento Kings look for their sixth road win of the season Monday as they begin their four-game road trip in Brooklyn against the Nets. The Nets (13-16) and Kings (13-17) have reportedly had trade talks recently that have cooled down. The game tips off at 4:30 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet California and on KHTK 1140.
3 Things To Look For
1. The Nets have a label of being unathletic, which hinders their defense, but they are holding their opponents to 99 points per game this season. The Kings are 10th in the league in scoring at 102 points per game. Brooklyn is only scoring 96 points per game, so if the Kings can step up their defense and get out and run in the open floor they should have a decent shot at coming out of the Barclays Center with a win.
2. Mason Plumlee and Jarrett Jack have been playing well for the Nets with Deron Williams and Brook Lopez coming off the bench. Over the last 10 games, Plumlee is averaging 15.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.6 assists per game (you can see why the Kings are interested in him). Jack has averaged 12.8 points, 5 assists and 3.6 rebounds over that same stretch. The Kings will need to lock down on them defensively, which should play into their favor because Darren Collison and DeMarcus Cousins are two of the Kings' better defenders.
3. Defense seems to be a theme here. As we discussed yesterday, the Kings have been struggling on the defensive end and can't seem to hold a lead. The players are aware of this and want to make a change. Let's see if they start this road trip on the right foot and maintain a lead if they get one in the second half.
Pregame Limerick
Here's to another good game from DC,
as good defense is what we hope to see.
But play close attention to the coveted Mason Plumlee,
and how Boogie blows by KG.
Prediction
Kings 103, Nets 97
