It's that time of the year again. Time for that traditional New York to San Antonio back to back. Fresh off a lopsided win over the Knicks, can the Kings steal the second game in this brutal back to back vs. the Spurs?
After a much-needed lopsided win vs. Lou Amundson and the New York Knicks, the Sacramento Kings head south to take on the San Antonio Spurs for what seems like the 38th time this season (it's the 4th). After playing last week minus DeMarcus Cousins, the Kings look to steal one in San Antonio, where the Spurs are finally home after their annual "Rodeo Road Trip". The two teams tip off at 5:30 on Comcast SportsNet California and KHTK Sports 1140.
3 THINGS TO LOOK FOR
1. New York to San Antonio is one of the stranger back-to-backs you will see on an NBA schedule. Luckily, due to the lop-sided game, no Kings starter played more than 28 minutes, so they should at least have fresh legs in time for the game. While the situation isn't ideal, the Kings need to put that aside and play the game. The Spurs are a tough game and will require great focus, so making excuse before the game even starts is pointless.
2. The Spurs are coming off their own 9-game road trip where they went 4-5. The Rodeo Road Trip has typically been a turning point for the Spurs, so that is actually a surprisingly poor number by their standards. After that many games on the road, they are almost sure to enjoy being back home, so expect them to play their A game.
3. Tony Parker has been struggling as of late. Outside of a couple of good games on the road trip (one against the Kings), he has been unable to find a shot. The Kings will need to keep him at bay and not allow a coming out party for him. Ray McCallum, Andre Miller, and probably Ben McLemore will need to defend well. Tony is far too good to struggle like this for much longer.
MATCHUP OF THE GAME
There are a few good matchups for this game, but I am going with the matchup at the 3. Kawhi and Rudy both are capably of going off on any given night, and Kawhi loves a good challenge on defense. I expect these two to go at each other all night. It should be some exciting basketball.
PREGAME LIMERICK
There once was a man named Vlade,
Who left, and the team turned to potty,
But know he's back,
And the Kings will attack,
And will leave a new trail full of bodies.
PREDICTION
Kings 112, Spurs 99 cause we're the Kings and nothing surprises me.