After another three day break in the month of January, the Sacramento Kings return to Staples Center tonight to take on the Los Angeles Lakers. The Kings are 5-3 since the new year and are looking to move one step closer to the Utah Jazz, who they currently trail by just a half a game for the eight spot in the west.
Earlier this week, Kings starters Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins received invitations to compete for one of 12 spots on Team USA’s roster for this summer Olympics Games.
[HAM: Advanced metrics suggest Karl pushing wrong buttons for Kings]
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Both are having stellar months as the Kings attempt to push towards a playoff spot for the first time in nine seasons.
In Kobe Bryant’s final season before retiring this summer, the Lakers are having a less than stellar season. They have lost three in a row and 7-of-8 and sit at 9-34 on the season, dead last in the Western Conference standings.
LINE
Kings by 6.5
NBA
WHERE THEY STAND
Kings: 17-23, third place in Pacific
Lakers: 9-34, last place in Pacific
INJURY REPORT
Kings: F Eric Moreland (foot surgery) out indefinitely, F Duje Dukan (right lower leg) out.
Lakers: F Kobe Bryant (shoulder/Achilles) questionable but expected to play, F Larry Nance Jr (sore right knee) doubtful, F Julius Randle (nose) probable.
SERIES HISTORY
After beating the Lakers 118-115 in a wild shootout earlier this month, the Kings lead the season series 2-0. Historically, the Lakers have owned the Kings, holding a 268-149 all-time head-to-head lead and 90-40 advantage during the Sacramento-era.
QUOTABLE
“We can beat any team. We have the talent to beat the best and lose to the worst. It’s whether we bring it on the defensive side.” --Omri Casspi