Sacramento faced-off against the San Antonio Spurs less than a week ago at Sleep Train Arena. Then, the Kings were without All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins and fell to the Spurs by 11. Five days later, the teams meet again, this time with Big Cuz in tow.
That fact may be a key to the Kings seeing success in the Lone Star State. In three games this season against San Antonio, Sacramento has lost the two in which DeMarcus did not play. In the other, DeMarcus tallied 25 points and 10 rebounds in a Kings victory.
Sacramento enters the contest on the second night of long-distance back-to-back, defeating the New York Knicks by 38 a night earlier. San Antonio enters winners of two-straight, including a 27-point win over the Phoenix Suns three nights ago.
- In three games against San Antonio, Rudy Gay is averaging 19 points, nearly six rebounds and six assists per contest.
- Ben McLemore is averaging 15 points per game since George Karl became the head coach of the Kings, the highest average of his career.
- Kings head coach George Karl played point guard for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA from 1976-78.
- Tim Duncan has recorded four 20-20 games against Sacramento, more than any other opponent.
Projected Starters
Broadcasts: TV – CSNCA
Comcast – 34/721
Dish – 452/9574
Hopper – 412-40
DirecTV – 698-1
AT&T – 768/1768
Radio – KHTK Sports 1140 AM
Nik Breaks Out in New York
The team’s rookie guard saw 24 minutes of action against the Knicks, following a string of DNP-CD's and did not disappoint. No. 10 scored 15 points on 4-of-8 shooting, including a perfect 6-of-6 from the line.
The Michigan shooting guard also wowed some of the Big Apple fans with this smooth take to the hoop.
Injury Update:
Kings:
- Darren Collison (Right Hip Flexor Sprain) is out.
- Eric Moreland (Left Shoulder Labral Tear) is out.
Spurs:
- None.