Kings vs Knicks Preview: Early Season Apple Pickin’

The Kings have rolled into the city that never sleeps in the hopes of catching the Knicks napping, after an improbable 19-0 run to finish off a win in Cleveland in which they did exactly that. The Knicks have run off three wins in a row, against those same Cavs, the Hawks and the Hornets, and are currently sitting on the .500 mark, and hoping to claw their way above it tonight. With Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson leading the way, the Kings will have more than enough on their hands – and that’s without the distinct possibility of being without De’Aaron Fox or Keegan Murray.

Let’s talk Kings basketball!

When: Sunday, December 11th, 3:00 PM PT
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140

For Your Consideration

Grin and Barrett: We’re gonna speed run this one today because somethings the immovable object (my need for sleep) collides against the unstoppable force (the Kings playing early on my only day off) and while I would love to wax poetic about the parallels and risks of what the Knicks did a couple of years ago in the East and what the Kings are hoping to accomplish this season out west with the mix of experienced stars and youth, and how the biggest difference is Tommy Thibs demeanor vs Mike Brown’s … but you can imagine that bit of writing in your head. It’s a tad too long, tad too quippy for what essentially ends up being a “the addition of Randle and Sabonis are similar but different but similar”.

Let’s get to some stats to share with the family as you’re watching this one. Through 26 games, the Knicks have found a way to vastly improve their offensive output this season, currently at 13th in the NBA in points per game (113.9 a contest), while slamming the breaks on coach Tom Thibodeau’s bread-and-butter, defense. Where as last season the Knicks held opponents to the 6th lowest scoring in the NBA, they’ve dropped this season to 16th. Their defensive rating this season is 16th, middle of the road, or in the case of today’s game – ONE SPOT LOWER THAN THE KINGS. Yes, you’ve read that right, the Sacramento Kings defensive rating through 24 games in 15th in the NBA. Stop the count, shut down the season, terminate the CBA and all other agreements – the Kings have an average defensive team and seeing as how that’s the final achievable to be unlocked in this game we all know and love, there is zero reason to continue.

Okay back to the Knicks here, I just needed to brag about our boys for a second. With the addition of Jalen Brunson and an unexpected dose of common sense, the Knicks have ramped up the pace this season from dragging their feet at 29th last season to 13th so far this season. They’re a terrible three point shooting team, yacking up the 10th most in the NBA and hitting at the 4th worst percentage. They attempt the 6th most free throws, hit them at the 8th best percentage but, they also foul the 6th most and allow the 9th most attempts. They’re a fantastic rebounding team, 3rd in both offensive and total rebounding, but on the defensive end play a fairly conservative style – they’re bottom ten in both steals and blocks and give up the most three point attempts in the NBA (though teams hit those threes at the 7th WORST percentage).

They’re a decent defensive team, a decent offensive team with enough star power in Randle and Brunson, and enough youth in Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Cam Reddish and Quentin Grimes to stick with the Kings. Consider me disappointed that I won’t be watching Obi Toppin, as well. The kids a highlight reel and deserves a bit better than what Tom has given him.

Okay. Happy Sunday. Go forth and prosper.

Prediction

Jalen Brunson has himself an Off-Night Experience, Sabonis and Randle delight the eyes and get within a few a few assists of triple-doubles for the both of them and Malik Monk finds a way to score 30+ against the Knicks bench. Kevin Huerter may or may not go for 7+ threes, depending on if he gets a rhythm early.

Kings: 137, Knicks:119