Friday afternoon and evening saw the Kings emerge as leaders in the chase for Pascal Siakam, only to take themselves out of the chase a few hours later, and then the Kings went down to the wire to defeat Siakam and the Toronto Raptors. After a relatively slow Saturday, the Kings now return to action against a team that has given them fits this season: the New Orleans Pelicans. Can the Kings overcome New Orleans’ length and size? Can the Kings make a free throw throw?
Let’s talk Kings basketball!
When: Sunday, January 7th, 3:00 PM PT
Where: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Last Time
The Pelicans have been a thorn in Sacramento’s side this season. The Kings have already faced the Pelicans three times this season, and have lost all three contests. The last matchup ended with a 127-117 Pelicans victory to eliminate the Kings from the In-Season Tournament.
Three in the Key
Adapt, Improvise, Overcome
The Kings have struggled against the Pelicans because of New Orleans’ size. Teams with size and length have been Sacramento’s downfall all season, and the Pelicans are a team full of guys with wingspans like…well, Pelicans, I suppose. New Orleans disrupts passing lanes and can close out and disrupt three point shooters. They can also easily shoot over defenders as they close out. The results last game were New Orleans shooting 45.2% from 3 while the Kings shot 34.1%.
Make Your Dang Free Throws
After Akis lamented Sacramento’s free throw shooting woes in the Raptors preview, the Kings promptly came out and shot 66.7% from the charity stripe on Friday. The Kings absolutely must improve from the line. They need to draw fouls, and they need to make their free throws. The current performance at the line is simply unacceptable for a team with goals to get past the first round of the playoffs.
Oh Kevin, Where Art Thou?
I don’t know if this is necessarily a key to the game, but getting some production from Kevin Huerter sure wouldn’t hurt. Kevin had just 3 points in 14 minutes of action on Friday. He did add 3 assists and 2 rebounds, and only attempted 2 shots, so it’s not like he was out the gunning and missing, but damn it’s hard to see how far off Huerter has fallen. I’m sure at this point he’s completely in his own head, with a slump that’s lasted over a month and now being moved to the bench. Constant rumors and reports of being included in trade talks probably aren’t helping either. I still believe Huerter can re-find his form. This would be a great game to see it happen.
Prediction
Fox drops 30, Sabonis has a triple-double, Trey Lyles puts Jonas Valanciunas in a Figure-4 leglock, and the Kings finally get a win against the Pelicans.
Kings 127 – Pelicans 106
Fan Predictions
