A Royal Pain
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Preview: Atlanta Hawks (26-17) at Sacramento Kings (18-23)

By Rafe Wong

Nov 18, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) drives against Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) drives against Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite the Sacramento Kings enduring diatribes between players and coach, asinine rumors swirling around players, and being under .500 for their season record, they are currently the 8th seed in the Western Conference. Who would have thought?

Although the champagne may be popping for Kings fans right now, the team still needs to keep the momentum going for the second half of the year. It won’t easy tonight as they face the Atlanta Hawks in Sleep Train Arena.

With their record of 26-17, the Hawks are currently the third seed in the Eastern Conference. They have achieved this by playing fundamental basketball throughout the season and are also lead by solid players like Paul Millsap, Jeff Teague, and Al Horford.

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The last time the Kings and Hawks played each other was back in November when Sacramento lost in a close one 103-97. Here is what to expect in tonight’s game where hopefully the Kings can right the wrong the last time these two teams met.

Matchup of the Game: The matchup that most fans will fixate on in tonight’s game will contain two All-Star bigs in DeMarcus Cousins and Al Horford.

During the month of January, Cousins has been on a terror averaging 31.7 points and 13.7 rebounds a game and has dominated the majority of his matchups in recent games. It won’t be easy however for Cousins to outplay Horford.

February 15, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Eastern Conference center Al Horford of the Atlanta Hawks (15, left) dribbles against Western Conference center DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings (15, right) during the second half of the 2015 NBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
February 15, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Eastern Conference center Al Horford of the Atlanta Hawks (15, left) dribbles against Western Conference center DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings (15, right) during the second half of the 2015 NBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

The reason why Horford has been a multiple All-Star is because while his offense is effective, his defense may be even better. The battle between these two stars will definitely be a highlight for fans to watch for in this game.

Keys to a Kings Victory: For the Kings to win tonight’s game they must play well on both ends of the court. In order for the Kings to achieve this, they must be able to limit the current deficiencies that have held them back throughout this season.

These weaknesses have been turning the ball over at a high rate, lack of perimeter defense, and lack of consistency throughout all four quarters. If the Kings are able to play clean basketball and play solid defense throughout the whole 48 minutes, they will have a great chance of winning this evening’s contest.

Prediction: Although the Kings are currently riding a three-game winning streak, and have tasted playoff status for the first time this season, I foresee the purple and white falling to Atlanta tonight.

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Expect Rudy Gay to have a good game, as the defenders at the three position for the Hawks will struggle against the former UConn Huskie.

Also, expect Cousins to have a solid game as well, but not dominant compared to recent games due to the presence of Horford.

Overall, I do see the Kings keeping the game close, but I think the Hawks will find a way to come out on top. The Hawks, in my perspective, are just the better team and have a good mix of talent, experience, and discipline that helps them win games that they are certainly capable of winning.

Obviously, I hope I’m wrong because if the Kings can add a statement win during their current winning streak, it will help immensely in this team staying together and believing themselves entering the second semester of the season.

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