The Sacramento Kings head into Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers riding a three game win streak and looking for more. They face a young and athletic group that is struggling to find consistency after a nice start to the season.
The starting backcourt of Darren Collison and Ben McLemore is starting to gel. Collison is coming off three straight 20-plus point performances and is averaging 19.8 points per game over his last six contests. After falling out of the rotation, McLemore has looked confident in his last six games, posting 13.3 points on 50 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Los Angeles boasts five double-digit scorers, led by Lou Williams, who averages 18.4 points in just 24.2 minutes per game. After a 10-10 start to the season, the Lakers are just 9-27 and sit two games above the Phoenix Suns for the worst record in the Western Conference.
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OPENING LINE
Lakers by 2
MATCHUP TO WATCH
DeMarcus Cousins vs. The Officials -- Cousins picked up his 17th technical foul of the season Sunday versus the Pelicans on a questionable call. He needs to stay out of trouble and refrain from picking up his 18th tech if he wants to avoid another suspension and massive fine by the NBA. Sacramento needs Cousins to find a happy medium between being aggressive and remaining under control.
NBA
WHERE THEY STAND
Kings: 23-32, third place in Pacific
Lakers: 19-37, fourth place in Pacific
INJURY REPORT
Kings: PG Ty Lawson (strained adductor) questionable, G/F Garrett Temple (torn left hamstring) out until after All-Star break, F Omri Casspi (right calf strain) out, F Rudy Gay (torn left Achilles) out for season.
Lakers: G D’Angelo Russell (knee) probable.
SERIES HISTORY
The season series between these two clubs is all knotted at 1-1. The Lakers hold a 91-43 lead during the Sacramento-era and a 269-152 advantage all-time.
QUOTE
“It’s obvious, I can’t be myself. Me playing the way I play is what makes me the player that I am. Obviously it’s not acceptable, so I’m trying to find a way to do what these guys are asking me to do. It’s not easy, but I’m trying to find a way.” -DeMarcus Cousins