Sacramento has been off for what feels like forever but are back in action today to start a three game homestand. Normally, those are cause for celebration, but this homestand is going to be very tough, starting tonight with the Memphis Grizzlies. Today's action tips off at 7:00 pm on Comcast SportsNet California and on KHTK 1140.
3 THINGS TO LOOK FOR
1. Darren Collison is still out with a hip flexor strain which is a bit concerning given how much time off the team has had these last couple weeks. Collison flew to LA to see a specialist earlier this week but the diagnosis appears to be the same. If you'll recall, a hip flexor tear knocked Carl Landry out for most of the season last year and even when he did come back he wasn't the same. I hope that's not the case for Darren, as I'd really like to see what he could do in Karl's system. In his absence however, the Kings will continue to rely on the young Ray McCallum and the veteran Andre Miller. Coach Karl said after practice the other day that he'll likely continue using McCallum as the starter for now.
2. Memphis is a bit different than the last time the Kings faced them. They added some depth by acquiring Jeff Green for Tayshaun Prince. Green has won a starting role for Memphis, but hasn't exactly set the world on fire since coming over. He's scoring 12.5 points a game but on just 40.7% from the field and 31.7% from three.
3. The Grizzlies really like to slow it down and mix it up, which will be an interesting change of pace from the first two teams the Kings have faced in the George Karl era. It will be interesting to see how Karl's defensive strategy of switching works with a physical team like the Grizzlies, and also if the Kings will get the opportunities to get out and run.
MATCHUP OF THE GAME
DeMarcus Cousins vs. Marc Gasol
Cousins and Gasol are probably the two best centers in the entire NBA right now and as such, this has to be the most important matchup. Both are incredibly important to their team. Gasol has gotten the better of Cousins for the most part in recent history, but Cousins has still had some good games against Gasol. Sacramento will need him to be at his best if they hope to win.
PREGAME LIMERICK
The Grizzlies like to "Grit and Grind"
Kings fans do that to their teeth in kind.
Still haven't forgotten,
that no good, rotten
0.3 seconds that was so maligned.
PREDICTION
Kings 98, Grizzlies 95 after Tyreke Evans comes out of nowhere to hit a halfcourt buzzer-beating three before promptly disappearing.