Game Preview: Defense Key For Sacramento Kings Against Portland

Last night the Sacramento Kings lost a heartbreaker to the Charlotte Hornets, in which the game went into double overtime where the Kings fell short of one point.

A lot of emotions were experienced from that game, but tonight the Kings will have to regain composure and try to rebound against the Portland Trail Blazers tonight in the Rose City.

Portland, who are one game back from Sacramento, are one of the teams that are threatening the Kings by potentially taking away their playoff spot. With the lead of star player Damian Lillard, it is certain that the Blazers are going to be motivated to play tonight’s game.

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In order for Sacramento to win this evening, and also extend their lead in the playoff race, they are going to need a good performance on the defensive end. During their once five-game winning streak, the Kings defense was solid and played a huge factor to their recent success.

Last night when they played against the Hornets, their defense laid off a bit, and as a result, with the mix of bad perimeter defense and the Hornets being absolutely hot shooting the ball in the second half and overtime, the Kings allowed 129 points in 58 minutes of play.

If the Kings replicate the way they defended their opposition from last night, the Blazers have the ammunition to torch the Kings out of the court. Players on Portland like Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, and Allen Crabbe all have the ability to be streaky shooters, and if the Kings let those players open for high percentage shots, those chances increase.

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Obviously, there are many possible keys that the Kings can address on a gamely basis (examples: turnovers, two guard help, foul trouble), but for tonight’s game defense is the most significant factor that the Kings need to fixate on.

Sacramento lost a tough one last night, but have the chance to redeem themselves this evening. If the Kings are to perform how they are accustomed to on the offensive end, as well as defend well for the whole 48 minutes, the Kings should be in a position to win tonight’s game.

Also noteworthy, Rudy Gay suffered an eye injury from last night’s game, and could potentially be sidelined tonight. If so, Omri Casspi is most likely to replace Gay in the starting lineup.