Game Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves (7-8) at Sacramento Kings (6-10)
By Rafe Wong
With the Sacramento Kings ending their road trip with a convincing win against the Milwaukee Bucks, they will look to create havoc for another midwest team in the Minnesota Timberwolves. This time in Sleep Train Arena.
The Timberwolves have been a surprise this year, having a record of 7-8, so it won’t be a walk in the park for the Kings tonight. In order for the Kings to be able to win this game, coach George Karl will have to emphasize these three keys to his team.
Limit Turnovers: So far this season turnovers have been the bane of the Kings existence, ranking 26 out of 30 teams in turnovers a game, averaging 16.2. In the Kings most recent game against the Bucks, they did an excellent job in ball security, only surrendering 8 turnovers.
More from Kings News
- 3 Ways Chris Duarte improves the Kings chances in 2023-24
- 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
- 3 Young players the Kings must develop, 2 to give up on
If Sacramento can replicate that performance tonight, their already high-powered offense will create more mayhem for Minnesota’s defense to handle.
Defensive Stops: Despite the Kings winning the other night, they still let the Bucks score a colossal 118 points. That simply won’t fly tonight, as the Kings will have to buckle up and hold down the fort on the defensive end.
This means being able to stick aggressively with their opponents, communicate well on rotations, and closing in well on jump shots.
Stopping Young Blood: Minnesota has a optimistic future ahead of them with a pair of 1st overall draft picks in Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony-Towns. Right now, both players are at the top in scoring for their squad, and probably will look to continue that tonight.
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
If the Kings are able to control these two players tonight on both ends of the court, it would be huge. This means players like DeMarcus Cousins (if healthy), Rudy Gay, and Kosta Koufos will have to have big nights in both defending and scoring on these two potential future All-Stars.
Final Thoughts: The Timberwolves record might not impress your eyes, but if the Kings are unable to fulfill the keys listed above they will have a difficult time trying to win this game. Another important note for tonight’s game is that Cousins is listed doubtful for tonight with a back injury. With that being said, if the Kings are without their All-Star big then these keys will definitely need to be fulfilled if they want to record another victory.
Next: Kings Offense Too Much For the Bucks In Win
Flashback Friday continues again for the Kings, as they will be rocking their powder blue uniforms tonight.