Back to backs have not been kind to the Kings this season, but I’m almost thankful that the Kings get back on the court so quickly after last night’s awful performance. Hopefully they’re able to regain their footing at home against a young and tough Orlando squad who will be looking for their own redemption after losing in San Francisco last night.
Let’s talk Kings basketball!
When: Wednesday, January 3rd, 7:00 PM PT
Where: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Last Time
This will be the first time the Kings face the Magic this season. Last season the Kings won both games in the matchup. De’Aaron Fox hit his first game winner of the season against Orlando as well.
Three in the Key
Shake it Off
There’s no doubt that last night’s loss to the Hornets was one of the worst of the season. The Kings played undisciplined on both ends, didn’t take their opponent seriously, and gave the game away in the final minutes. Now they’ll have a chance to redeem themselves, but they’ll have to do it against a much tougher opponent. The Magic have improved greatly this season, particularly on defense where they’re 3rd overall. This is going to be a tougher matchup, so the Kings will need to shake off whatever malaise they were playing through last night and be on their game if they hope to win.
Paint Control
The Magic are one of the best inside teams in the NBA. They’re second overall in Points in the Paint at 55.9 a game and they have the second highest free throw rate in the league. Both of these areas (keeping teams out of the paint and off the line) have been huge problems for the Kings all season. Orlando is also excellent at pretty good at keeping teams out of the paint and also securing rebounds to finish defensive possessions (they rank 1st in Defensive Rebounding Rate). I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Mike Brown turn to both Alex Len and JaVale McGee tonight to deal with Orlando’s size. On the other hand, the Magic aren’t the best shooting team. They rank dead last in three pointers made and just 29th in attempts and percentage. The only Magic player shooting better than 40% from three is Joe Ingles. The Kings can’t just give up open threes all night, but they might need to give Orlando a bit more space to make life more difficult in the paint.
No Invisible Players
The Kings too often have guys who tend to disappear for large stretches. Last night Harrison Barnes, Keegan Murray and Kevin Huerter played a combined 72 minutes and combined for just 17 points on 6 of 18 shooting. The Kings can’t just rely on Fox and Sabonis all the time.
Prediction
The Magic strike first but the Kings battle back and win a close game to secure their first victory on a back to back of the season.
Kings 114, Magic 109
Fan Predictions
