The Sacramento Kings started out the season hot, but after a coaching change and an injury to DeMarcus Cousins, they have fallen out of the playoff hunt once again. Cousins is still the leading scorer on the team with 23.6 points per game, as well as the team leader in boards with 12.6 per game. The Kings are strong on the boards, averaging 44.8 per game, eighth in the NBA. They also fill up the score board with 101.4 points per game, 11th in the NBA.
The Kings are 17-29 on the season, fourth in the tough Pacific division. Obviously, Cousins is their focus offensively, but they don’t have great outside shooting. That could play into Dallas’ favor with Tyson Chandler manning the middle.
Not having Rajon Rondo to run the floor will hurt Dallas in this game, but even without the transition baskets, Dallas should be able to score with shooters that can spread the floor. With Dirk Nowitzki and Chandler Parsons to spread the floor, it should set up well for Monta Ellis to drive to the basket against Darren Collison and Ben McLemore.
One consideration for Dallas is the players they will rest on the second night of a back to back. Sacramento has a day off before this game, but Dallas does not. If the Mavericks have tired legs and don’t hit their shots, the Kings have a good chance of defending their home court in this one.
The Mavericks come in with an 18-10 road record, while the Sacramento Kings own a 10-16 home record. The Kings have lost many games, but they tend to put up a fight and usually push teams to the final buzzer.
This will be the third and final meeting between the two teams.