Game Preview: Boston Celtics At Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings (7-12) will be facing the Boston Celtics (10-8) in Mexico City tonight as part of the NBA’s Global Games outreach. Somehow the game is technically listed as a “Home” game for the Kings even though Mexico City is 2209 miles away from the California state capital.
The Kings and Celtics have split the wins in the past three seasons with the home team always coming out on top. So I guess it’s a good thing tonight is considered a home game for the Mexico City Kings.
Apparently, the Kings are fitting in just fine south of the boarder:
Both Rajon Rondo and Isaiah Thomas are playing against their old team. Thomas will be starting in today’s game. He has been averaging 20.8 points this season. Thomas has scorched the Kings in previous meet ups since he left Sacramento, so expect another big game from him tonight. Especially if the Kings lackluster defending of point guards continue.
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Although, Thomas has recently told the Boston Globe that he does not harbor any grudges against the Kings.
"“I like playing against the Kings because I know so many people there,” he said. “It was my first NBA home, the staff members, the trainers, everybody. It’s nice to see those guys. But I’ve moved on, man. I don’t have no hard feelings toward Sacramento. I just want to beat them every time we play.”"
Rondo has been in top form as of late and this will only be the second time he has faced his old team since being traded to the Dallas Mavericks last year. He should have a big game as well, so be looking for another triple-double from him.
Boston has a deceptively good defense, limiting opponents to an average of 89.7 points in 10 victories. They might give the Kings some problems, even in the paint.
It’s possible DeMarcus Cousins could have some trouble scoring in the first half, but like he did against the Mavericks, he will find a way to dominate the post as no one can contain him for a full 48 minutes.
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Sacramento will need another solid shooting night from Rudy Gay to get a win tonight. The bench will need to step up, like they have been this year, and provide an offensive spark as well.
But Sacramento’s offense hasn’t been the problem lately. Hopefully the team has learned from their last game against Dallas that a tenacious defensive effort can create easy buckets and lead to a win.
All Kings are listed as healthy for tonights game. Projected starters are: Rajon Rondo, Ben McLemore, Rudy Gay, Willie Cauley-Stein and DeMarcus Cousins.
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Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, Amir Johnson and Jared Sullinger will start for Boston.