
The Kings can’t get over the hump. Coming into Sunday night’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, they needed a win to put themselves in unfamiliar territory -- the eighth spot in the Western Conference. But nothing comes easy in Sacramento.
After a tough loss to the Blazers on their home floor, the Kings travel to Oakland to face the 28-1 Golden State Warriors on Monday night. The Kings have lost 10 straight to their closest geographical rivals and are 0-7 on the season in the second night of a back-to-back.
[HAM: Rewind: Kings endure reoccurring theme in sloppy loss]
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DeMarcus Cousins missed both of the team's matchups with the Warriors this season due to injury. He is in the lineup on Monday trying to stop the bleeding against the NBA’s best team.
The Warriors are fresh off an 89-83 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Christmas Day and come into the contest well rested. Reigning MVP Stephen Curry is in a mini-slump, averaging 17.5 points on 11-of-29 shooting over his previous two games.
LINE
Warriors by 13.5
NBA
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Omri Casspi vs Draymond Green -- The last time these two teams faced off, Green dropped in a 13-point, 12-assist, 11-rebound triple-double and the Warriors walked away with 120-101 victory. Casspi has his work cut out for him against one of the game’s best two-way players.
WHERE THEY STAND
Kings: 12-18, third place in Pacific
Warriors: 28-1, first place in Pacific
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
At 1,154 wins, George Karl is one win away from tying Phil Jackson for fifth place on the NBA's list for most regular-season coaching victories.
INJURY REPORT
Kings: C Kosta Koufos (gastroenteritis) doubtful, F/C Willie Cauley-Stein (right index finger) out, Eric Moreland (left foot) out.
Warriors: PG Leandro Barbosa (right shoulder) questionable, F Harrison Barnes (left ankle) questionable, F Kevon looney (hip) out.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors lead the season series 2-0 and have a 10-game winning streak against the Kings. Golden State holds an 195-185 advantage all-time over the Kings and a 67-64 lead during the Sacramento-era.
QUOTABLE
“We’ve got a game tomorrow -- if we win that one, this one doesn’t even matter.”
-- Rudy Gay following the Kings' loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday