A Few Things to Consider:

Only the Strong Survive: As previously alluded to in the intro, the Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers are in very similar, and very precarious spots within their respective conferences. While a look at current positioning would show that the Pacers are 5th in the East, a check of the record would show that the margin for error is zero. With an entire league thrust into a sudden and uncomfortable parity, the Pacers are 2.5 games out of the third best record in the east, and 2.5 games away from being the 12th seed. For both the Kings and Pacers, wins are at an absolute premium coming into Saturday night's game. Neither team can allow themselves to give into the idea that they are still trying to figure themselves out. With momentum and home court having a decidedly purple tinge, the Pacers will look to rely on an offense that they are still building on the fly, and a defense that is second in the league overall in defensive rating.

With their return from injury has also come an increased focus on the young big men to help bolster the defense of their respective teams. In the month of January, Cauley-Stein has seen the floor for an average of 17.6 minutes a game, and has turned in averages of 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks while shooting 61.5% from the field. Turner on the other hand has seen an average of 14.4 minutes of action, and has contributed 8.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks on 63.6% from the field. While this matchup may be a bit more intriguing a few years down the road, it has been great to see what each of these young men bring to the floor in limited playing time.

Odds and Ends:

Prediction: As the Kings are set to chase the 7th seed, Willie Cauley-Stein decides to yawn and smash all over the young Indiana rookie center, and Indiana sees the L's continue to pile up: Kings 109, Pacers 101.

For the other side of the coin, please head over to Indy Cornrows.