Where: Power Balance Pavillion, Sacramento CA
When: Wednesday April 18th, 2012 7:00 PM
Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE
Starting Lineups:
Sacramento San Antonio
PG: Isaiah Thomas PG: Tony Parker
SG: Marcus Thornton SG: Daniel Green
SF: Tyreke Evans SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Jason Thompson PF: Tim Duncan
C: Demarcus Cousins C: Dejuan Blair
Injury Report:
Sacramento San Antonio
C Hassan Whiteside (ANKLE)- OUT NONE
SF John Salmons (HIP)-OUT
Keys to the Game:
1.) Hold onto the Basketball
-It is obvious the Kings really struggle at holding onto the basketball and making smart decisions. The Kings have averaged 15 Turnovers per game this season, meanwhile the Spurs average only 13 Turnovers per game. 2 Turnovers may seem like a small margin but when you consider 2 turnovers could mean up to an 8 point swing. If the Kings want to even stay close tonight they have to play smart basketball a.k.a Spurs basketball. If they can play as a unit, and make the right decisions they can stay close in this game.
2.) Battle of the Big Men
A match up everyone should be keeping an eye on tonight is the old veteran, and future 1st Ballot Hall of Famer Tim Duncan vs. the young future star, Demarcus Cousins. Duncan has earned the nickname “The Big Fundamental” thanks to his incredible basketball IQ, and how he plays both on offense and defense. In previous match ups Duncan has frustrated Cousins with his veteran play, and taking advantage of Cousins weaknesses. The key for Cousins tonight will be not to outsmart Duncan, but to out hustle him. Duncan is 35, and has really lost the athleticism he once had. In order for Cousins to have a big game against one of the greatest to ever play the position, Cousins must wear Duncan down, and keep him on the bench. If Cousins can do that he should have a strong game, and give the Kings a great chance to win
Team MVP: Marcus Thornton 26 Points, 3 Assists, 3 Steals
Prediction: Spurs 105 Kings 98
I am a Senior in High School. Hope to become a professional sports writer one day. I love the Kings, and love talking sports in general
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