The Kings play the Spurs in San Antonio to try to end a six-game losing streak. Good luck.
Sacramento enters tonight game against the Spurs (5:30 pm on News10 and KHTK 1140) as losers of six in a row and counting. The Spurs are ailing, missing Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, Tiago Splitter and Manu Ginobili, and are themselves looking to break a three game losing streak.
MATCHUP OF THE GAME
Isaiah has had some big games against Parker in the past, and with so many weapons out for San Antonio, Parker is the focal point. If Sacramento can slow Parker down, the Spurs don't have many other offensive threats even though they're a very well-rounded team. It will be interesting to see how Thomas plays after logging yet another 40+ minute game last night.
3 THINGS
1. There's still no word on DeMarcus Cousins and whether he'll play. The Kings have yet to win a game this season without their big man. On the one hand, Rudy Gay has been great in the two games he's come back, but on the other, it hasn't been enough. Also for those wondering, the Kings now hold the 5th spot in the lottery, although Philadelphia (4th), Boston (3rd), Cleveland (T-7th), Utah (T-7th) and Los Angeles (9th) are all within a game of each other. Personally, I think the Kings will surpass those teams once Cousins comes back.
2. Every year we expect the Spurs to finally drop off but every year the Spurs remain atop the standings. Even with all the injuries they've suffered this year,they still hold the 2nd best record in the West. One area where the Spurs really struggle is guarding athleticism, as teams like OKC and Miami have shown. The Kings are pretty athletic, but they'll also need to play smart basketball on both ends to have a chance.
3. San Antonio is the best 3-point shooting team in the league, hitting 40.2% of their threes. The Kings are the 28th best 3-point defense team, allowing opponents 37.5%. That could be a problem.
PRE-GAME HAIKU
Lots of injuries.
Probably means Matt Bonner
will score 34.
PREDICTION
Spurs 94, Kings 91 as Pop decides to rest all his starters despite only having 10 available players. Spurs still win.