THE OPPONENT

KEY BATTLE

Thaddeus Young vs. Jason Thompson. This should be a beast of an opportunity for Thompson, with Philly's undersized plan of attack (Young is smaller than Greene, and roughly Omri Casspi's size). But Elton Brand (dying but still skilled) and Marreese Speights could provide trouble off the bench, and Young has a versatile offensive game that will require focus and possibly trickery to defend. I think Thompson can do enough damage on the offensive glass to tilt this one, but he's got to be a stud on the other end for the Kings to safely waltz. (You never want to waltz in a dangerous situation!)

INTERESTING SIDESHOW

The three holiday home games — Cleveland, L.A., Denver — had amazing crowds: loud, active, smart. Good ol' day crowds. Will those same fans come out in droves for … uh, Allen Iverson? Sweet Lou Williams? Easy Elton Brand? I think not. But it could be a good measuring stick for Sacramento's own power as a home draw, what with the undesirable visiting team.

BOLD PROCLAMATION

Jon Brockman will break a fan's nose. On accident, of course. Wink, wink.

NUMERIC PREDICTION

Kings by 5.

DETAILS

7 PM start. Game Thread Uno at 7, GT Dos at 8, post-gamer at 9:45, recap in a vending machine at the arcade under that roller rink on that street in that town.