Programming note: Kings-Mavericks coverage starts tonight at 5pm with Kings Pregame Live on CSN California, and streaming live right here.
UPDATE (4:40pm on Thursday) -- Rajon Rondo and Rudy Gay, both listed as questionable, will play for the Kings Thursday night in Dallas. Seth Curry, listed as doubtful, is out.
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The last time these two teams faced off, the Mavericks’ Deron Williams dropped in a 3-ball as time expired in double-overtime to rip the heart out of the Sacramento Kings. Needing a win in the worst way, the Kings return to the scene of the crime on Thursday night trying to snap a four-game losing streak and pick up a win in Dallas for the first time since 2003.
Rajon Rondo missed the last game between these two teams in Dallas with lower back spasms. He is once again questionable Thursday night after rolling his right ankle late in the Memphis. If he can’t go, expect Darren Collison to step into the starting lineup.
Dallas ranks first in the league in both turnover percentage and fewest turnovers per game, but they have turned up the pace of their offense over the last few weeks.
Since adding veteran forward David Lee four games ago, the Mavericks are 3-1 and riding a three-game win streak.
NBA
LINE
Dallas by 7
WHERE THEY STAND
Kings: 24-35, third place in Pacific
Mavs: 33-28, third place in Southwest
MATCHUP TO WATCH
DeMarcus Cousins vs. Zaza Pachulia -- Cousins is averaging 33 points, 13 rebounds and five assists per game in the first two matchups between these two teams. Pachulia will get the first shot at defending Cousins, but Dallas with throw all kinds of looks at the Kings’ star center. Sacramento needs a huge night out of Cousins if they hope to end their skid.
INJURY REPORT
Kings: F Rudy Gay (right shoulder strain) questionable, PG Rajon Rondo (right ankle, turf toe, right thumb tendinitis) questionable, G Seth Curry (right foot sprain) doubtful.
Mavs: PG Raymond Felton (ankle) questionable.
SERIES HISTORY
The Mavericks have won an astonishing 22-straight games against the Kings dating back to February of 2003. Dallas holds a 92-63 advantage all-time over the Kings and a 74-50 lead during the Sacramento-era.
QUOTABLE
“We just have to be aware and show urgency from the beginning of the game, and not when someone has to light a flame under our (butts).” - DeMarcus Cousins following the loss in Memphis