We’re finally in the stretch run, with just 7 games left and every game mattering more than ever in the tight Western Conference playoff race. But to win in the West, the Kings are first going to have to succeed in the East one final time as they start their final road trip of the season tonight with a trip to New York City.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s talk Kings basketball!<\/p>\n
When: <\/strong>Thursday, April 4th, 4:30 PM PT In what barely qualified as an NBA game, the Knicks beat the Kings 98-91 back in mid-March in Sacramento. Jalen Brunson was seemingly the only person in the game who could shoot and finished with a game-high 42 points. The Kings shot just 35.3% from the field and were led in scoring by Domantas Sabonis’ 21 points.<\/p>\n Let’s get Physical<\/strong><\/p>\n The Knicks might be the most physical team in the entire NBA right now, and the last matchup between these two teams was particularly physical as neither team broke 100 points. Both teams are dealing with injuries right now, with the Knicks missing both Julius Randle and OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson are both questionable, while the Kings are without Kevin Huerter and sparkplug Malik Monk. The Kings have been playing pretty well defensively themselves of late, especially since Keon Ellis has joined the starting lineup. Since March 1st, the Knicks are 2nd in defensive rating, but the Kings have been 6th. This is set up to be a physical, low-scoring game once again and whoever gets comfortable offensively first likely will come out on top.<\/p>\n Stop Brunson<\/b><\/p>\n Jalen Brunson has been on an absolute tear this season and won Eastern Conference Player of the Month for March after averaging 28.8 points on 48.1% from the field and 37.6% from three in only 30.9 minutes a game. His game against Sacramento saw him score 42 points, and just last week he dropped a career-high 61 points against the San Antonio Spurs. Brunson is the engine that makes the Knicks go, and the Kings will need to find a way to slow him down. Keon Ellis probably wants some revenge himself after Brunson caught him flat-footed<\/a> at the end of their last matchup.<\/p>\n Play with Urgency<\/strong><\/p>\n Sacramento’s final seven games are brutal and this road trip might be the toughest part of it. There’s no more room for error for the Kings and how they play over these final seven games will determine whether or not they make the playoffs outright or have to play elimination games against tough competition to get in. Right now the Kings sit in 8th, but are just one game back of 5th. They’re also only one game ahead of the Lakers in 9th (effectively two games though since Kings hold the tie-breaker). The Kings may not be favored in any of the four games on this road trip aside from Sunday’s game against Brooklyn. Starting this trip with a loss would be tough, especially with perhaps the league’s toughest back to back possible against the NBA’s best Boston Celtics. A 2-2 road trip would probably be considered a success, but let’s start off on the right foot and get the win tonight.<\/p>\n The Kings actually manage to top 100 as De’Aaron Fox does to New York what Brunson did in Sacramento and the Kings come away victorious.<\/p>\n Kings 109, Knicks 98<\/p>\n
\nWhere:<\/strong> Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
\nTV:<\/strong> TNT
\nRadio:<\/strong> Sactown Sports 1140<\/p>\nLast Time<\/h3>\n
Three in the Key<\/h3>\n
Prediction<\/h3>\n
Fan Predictions<\/h3>\n