THE OPPONENT

THE KEY BATTLE

Murphy is also a great defensive rebounder, and that's where this battle could potentially turn in the Kings' favor: can Thompson steal more than a couple rebounds from Murphy and part-time running mate Jeff Foster? J.T. has shocked us against some other good-to-great defensive rebounders, so I'll keep that candle burning heading into tonight. Of course, I think I'd rather see the Kings hit all their shots. Thompson plays into that as well: every minute Roy Hibbert is not on the court is an opportunity for the Kings to run plays through J.T. in the post. On defense, Murphy is quick as frozen beets. Thompson has developed a few clever moves, and I hope he attacks with them tonight.

MEDICAL UPDATE

Team medical consultant Grant Napear reports that center Spencer Hawes (bruised knee) will either play tonight or wear women's underwear under his tailored suit.

INTERESTING SIDESHOW

NUMERIC PREDICTION

Kings by 8.

BOLD PROCLAMATION

The Dahntay/Donte transition dunk-off will be epic.

DETAILS

The game will begin at 7PM on Comcast SportsNet and KHTK 1140 AM. Game thread at 7, Game thread 2 at 8, post-game thread at 9:45, recap at IKEA West Sac.