MATCHUP OF THE GAME

One was named an All-Star and one wasn't and I'm sure DeMarcus is going to come out wanting to prove something because of it.  Cousins and Davis are two of the best big men in the league already, and they're just 23 and 21 (in a week) respectively.  Davis and Cousins likely won't go up against each other directly, although if they did, I'd have to give the advantage to Cousins, at least for now.  Davis does lead the league in blocks at 3 a game, and though he has a reputation for defense, he's still managing to put up 20 points a game on over 50% from the field.  Man, I wish we had won the lottery the year he came out, because he and Cousins would be unstoppable together.

3 THINGS

1.  The Pelicans have had even worse struggles than the Kings have of late, losing 7 straight and 9 of their last 10.  During this losing streak they've averaged just 92.9 points while giving up 105.3.  They're the 29th ranked defense in the league (Sacramento is 25th but the difference is negligible).  They are however the 11th best offense, so if the Kings don't try on defense, a win won't come easily.

PRE-GAME HAIKU

PREDICTION

Kings 113, Pelicans 104 and Slamson beats up Pierre the Pelican for good measure.