The Sacramento Kings slayed one beast on Monday night when they picked up their first win in Oklahoma City after failing the previous 14 times. They have a chance to snap two additional crazy streaks on Tuesday when they visit the Mavericks.
The Kings haven’t won in Dallas since 2003, a stretch of 21 consecutive games and they are 0-8 this season on the second night of a back-to-back. And they will likely have to do it without the services of Rajon Rondo (lower back spasms) and Willie Cauley-Stein (right middle finger).
DeMarcus Cousins and Marco Belinelli are red hot. Cousins dropped in 33 points and 19 rebounds against the beefy Thunder frontline and he’s scored a whopping 65 points over his previous two games. Belinelli has found his stroke, shooting 58.5 percent from the field over his last three games.
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Dallas has lost two straight, but they are 10-6 at home this season and firmly entrenched in the Western Conference playoff race.
LINE
Mavericks by 5
MATCHUP TO WATCH
NBA
DeMarcus Cousins vs. Zaza Pachulia -- Cousins is rolling and the Kings need him to come out with the same intensity he has brought over the previous two games. Pachulia is an agitator who loves to mix it up. The last time these two teams faced off, Cousins posted 31 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the Kings' win. Sacramento needs more of the same from Cousins on Tuesday.
WHERE THEY STAND
Kings: 14-20, third place in Pacific
Mavericks: 19-15, second place in Southwest
INJURY REPORT
Kings: G Ben McLemore (mid-back spasms) probable, F-C Willie Cauley-Stein (right middle finger) out, F Omri Casspi (upper back) out, F Eric Moreland (left foot surgery) out, F Duje Dukan (lower right leg) out, PG Rajon Rondo (lower back spasms) out.
Mavericks: PG Deron Williams (hamstring) questionable.
SERIES HISTORY
The Mavericks have pounded the Kings in Dallas, winning an astonishing 21 straight dating back to February of 2003. The Kings beat the Mavericks 112-98 in the only meeting between these two teams this season. Dallas holds a 90-63 advantage all-time over the Kings and a 73-50 lead during the Sacramento-era.