It’s DeMarcus Cousins vs. Anthony Davis Tonight in New Orleans
Wednesday nights 108-99 win over the Suns in Phoenix was probably the Sacramento Kings best win over the course of this four-game win streak they’re still riding. The Kings came into Phoenix on the second night of a back-to-back, the Suns were well rested, they needed a win to keep their playoffs hopes alive, and the Kings really controlled that game for 48 minutes.
The Suns went on a few runs here and there, but every time they shrunk the deficit to single digits, the Kings pushed back and went on a run of their own. It’s was impressive.
The Kings got solid production from their bench unit, which has sort of become a trend during this recent stretch of solid play. With
,
,
, and
producing, you can see the framework of a solid bench unit there. George Karl’s ability to get something out of those guys might be the best thing he’s accomplished since he was hired over the All-Star break.
You can find our full recap of Wednesday nights win over the Suns here.
The Kings are in New Orleans tonight to face a Pelicans team that desperately needs a win to remain in contention for the eight seed in the Western Conference. If the Kings wanted to play spoil, back-to-back wins over two eight seed contenders is one way to do it.
The Pelicans will come into tonight’s game losers of four-straight. It’s pretty clear that Anthony Davis is banged up right now, but he’s expected to play.
The Pelicans will be without both Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson, and while I would never wish injury upon anyone, Anderson is a notorious Kings killer and his absence tonight will be felt on the court.
This game, and every Kings vs. Pelicans game moving forward, is going to be about DeMarcus Cousins vs. Anthony Davis. These two Kentucky alumni will be attached to each other for eternity.
Cousins spent the first month of the season as a legitimate MVP candidate, and Davis has been an MVP contender all season. Davis could actually get it if the Pelicans find a way to sneak into the playoffs. A win tonight would help that cause.
I like the way this Kings team is playing right now. I’m looking forward to their games again. It’s a great feeling.
Can the Kings win their fifth in a row? This may be their toughest test yet. Stay tuned.
As always, check back in to A Royal Pain after tonights game for our postgame coverage.
Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Where: Smoothie Kings Center – New Orleans, LA
When: 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM EST
Broadcast: Comcast Sportsnet California
Radio: KHTK Sports 1140 AM
More from A Royal Pain
- 3 Ways Chris Duarte improves the Kings chances in 2023-24
- 5 Players the Sacramento Kings never should have signed
- Bleacher Report crazily lists Kings’ All-Star as “most overrated NBA player”
- Kings and Heat fans clash on Twitter to debate All-Star players
- Sacramento Kings’ Chris Duarte playing in 2023 FIBA World Cup