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
The Pels have sure had our number;
They’ve kept our offense encumbered.
Throughout this home stand,
We’ve not played as we can.
Can’t afford an afternoon slumber!
Make the birds take a dive!
Quell the Pels!
Looks like Huerter is the backup SF now. Might be more productive going against opponents’ 2nd units. We’ll see if he gets back to form. We know he’s a player.
The game is going to be a true test of this roster. If the Pels easily handle the Kings again then I’d put money on the Kings not getting out of the first round. They are just too exposed to lengthy wings.
If the Kings come out sharp win this win, then maybe there is hope.
Lastly, there are so many good players on this Pels squad that it wouldn’t shock me if they surprise some teams and make it very deep into the playoffs. When fully healthy, they are a force.
There is no doubt in my mind that should they reach the post-season, Sacramento’s first round playoff series opponent will either be the New Orleans Pelicans or the Golden State Warriors.
Dubs just lost Paul and are still down Green. I think it’s going to be a struggle for them to make the playoffs.
Green has been reinstated:
This is good news. The Dubs are worse with him in the lineup, imo.
There is some truth to that. The Dubs have gone 7-5 while he’s been out on suspension. They are 7-8 in the 15 games he’s played in.
Granted, if Dray gets his head on straight, he’s a huge contributor. He’s just getting less effective as he ages.
True, if anything he’s a big physical body that the Warriors have been missing. He may not contribute as much as he used to, but he can still be a pain in the ass to the opponents.
Or a pain in the chin, chest, or whatever he happens to punch, stomp, etc.
Throat or broken neck is not for KAT
Hmm. I’m sure “several weeks of counseling” can fix several years of demented behavior. It’s weird how the league tries to spin these things.
Lyles is for sure available today? That ankle turn looked gnarly last game… If he’s fit to play, I am super happy.
He is out
I’m not losing much sleep over Huerter. His defense looks significantly better this year. I’m assuming his shots will start falling – if not before the All Star break, certainly after that. In the meantime, Duarte is fitting into the starting lineup just fine. My prediction is that Huerter will get his head straight and will start feasting against second teams from beyond the arc soon.
Here’s the question I have. Has there ever been a team that went 0-5 against another team during the regular season? Because of the weirdness of the IST, we actually have a chance to lose 5 regular season games to the Pelicans and this seems like the first year that’s ever been possible.
I can’t watch today’s game, but I’m not disappointed to miss it. It feels like the matchup is so bad that we have a less than 10% chance of winning this one. Sure hope I’m wrong about this…
Not good.
Sasha time!!!
Zion is out. So that will help the King’s chances
Hoping the team can surprise us today. If we luck out on our 3pt shooting we many have a chance.
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