Following back-to-back late defeats, the Kings attempt to get back in the win column against the Detroit Pistons, who have lost 13 of their last 14 games.
Projected Starters
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Breaking Down the Pistons
Detroit broke a 13-game losing streak Friday night in Phoenix against the Suns, winning 105-103. Now, the Pistons travel to Sacramento looking for their first back-to-back wins since Nov. 5th and 7th, over a month ago.
However, Sacramento is not overlooking their struggling opponent.
“I know our guys aren’t going to overlook them,” acknowledged Malone. “I’ve watched a ton of their games, and as you know, my father is on their staff... They’ve lost a ton of close games - they’re in a lot of games, but they just can’t get over the hump… But I don’t want to be the team that makes them feel better.”
Last season Detroit went 2-0 against Sacramento, while Josh Smith averaged 22.5 points and 8.0 rebounds.
DeMarcus Cousins averaged 19.5 points and 13.5 rebounds against Detroit but will miss his ninth-consecutive game as he recovers from viral meningitis.
Although the team will be without their anchor, Rudy Gay has shined the during the 2014-15 season. Gay, who ranks second on team in scoring, has scored 20 or more points in six of the last eight games. No. 8 has also dished out five or more assists in five of the last six contests. The Kings will need that type of contribution to get back to .500 on Saturday night in Sacramento.
Sactown currently rank 12th in the Western Conference with 15.5 turnovers per game, but are facing a team which is shooting a league-low 40.7 percent and scoring 14.6 points per game off turnovers, which is among the worst in the league.
Injury Update
Pistons:
- Jodie Meeks (stress reaction lower back) is probable.
Kings:
- DeMarcus Cousins (virus) is out.
- Omri Casspi (left knee bone contusion) is probable.