Even with how much the Kings have struggled lately, having lost 6 in a row and 8 of their last 10, the Knicks are still a team that Sacramento should beat. New York is on a three game winning streak of their own, but those wins alone amount to almost half of their win total for the entire season. Monday's action tips off at 4:30 pm on Comcast SportsNet California and on KHTK 1140.
3 THINGS TO LOOK FOR
1. After waiving Samuel Dalembert, the Knicks have no size in the middle to speak of. Jason Smith (a jump shooting center) is their tallest player, and Cole Aldrich is their most physical. DeMarcus Cousins should be able to feast on the inside against New York, and the other Kings should take advantage as well. That means no settling for jumpers and instead using every opportunity you can to attack the basket.
2. Carmelo Anthony is back from injury and he's still one of the more dangerous players in the NBA. While his efficiency hasn't been great this season, he's the kind of guy that could go on a big hot streak that can completely change the game. Fresh off of Klay Thompson's historic performance, I'm sure the Kings aren't keen on letting something like that happen again.
3. I like what I've seen from Quincy Miller so far, although he does need to do a better job of finishing around the rim. This could be a game where he sees extended minutes again, so hopefully he can continue to make his case as to why the Kings should keep him around for the rest of the season. Personally, I'm already sold on his potential alone but I'd still like to see more of him.
MATCHUP OF THE GAME
Carmelo Anthony vs. Rudy Gay
The Knicks don't have many options so it's up to Rudy to nullify the one they do have. Anthony is a rich man's version of Rudy, so both players should be pretty familiar with the other's game. Anthony is bigger and more physical than Rudy, while Rudy is quicker and more athletic. Rudy should be fresh given his early ejection last game, so hopefully he comes out motivated.
PREGAME LIMERICK
We just saw Klay go off,
my hat to him I doff.
Now the Knicks,
and their bricks,
but I hesitate to scoff.
PREDICTION
Kings 109, Knicks 107 because even against the Knicks the Kings aren't going to get anything easy.