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Sacramento Kings Game Preview: Versus Washington Wizards 10/15/2016

By Tyler Watts

Mar 30, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) drives in between Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) and center Marcin Gortat (13) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Washington Wizards 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) drives in between Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) and center Marcin Gortat (13) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Washington Wizards 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Sacramento Kings and the Washington Wizards travel to Lexington, Kentucky for a preseason clash on October 15, 2016.  This article examines everything Kings fans need to know about the game.

Tonight, on October 15, 2016, the Sacramento Kings do battle with the Washington Wizards at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.  The Kings three former Kentucky Wildcats get a bit of a homecoming.  This should be another exciting game with a lot of storylines to follow.  Without further ado, let us now examine what Kings fans need to know about tonight’s contest.

Injuries

The Sacramento Kings enter the game at full strength but do not be surprised to see more players rest in this game.  The Kings played just two days ago and traveled across the country for this game.  More players are likely to be rested, so check the pregame reports to make certain everyone is suiting up.

Washington Wizards’ Scouting Report

The Wizards enter tonight’s contest relatively healthy.  Starting power forward Markieff Morris missed Thursday’s game with a foot injury and is questionable for tonight, but every other player is healthy for Washington.

The Wizards have a new coach and slew of new players like the Kings this season.  Scott Brooks takes the reigns of the Washington Wizards this season.  New players include Trey Burke, Ian Mahinmi, Tomas Satoransky, Andrew Nicholson, and Jason Smith.

The player I cannot wait to watch tonight on the Wizards is Satoransky.  He is in his first year in the NBA.  He was drafted by the Wizards in 2012, but decided to play in Europe until this season.  Below is a tweet from Candace Buckner featuring a video that shows off a small taste of what Satoransky can do.  Enjoy.

It is, also, a Kentucky homecoming for former Wildcat and three-time NBA All-Star John Wall.  He has been eased in slowly this preseason after offseason surgery, but expect Wall to have a little extra in the tank tonight and do not be surprised if he has a huge game.

What to Watch for?

First off, I will admit my preview for the last game did not go well with so many players sitting out.  That is the nature of the preseason, but I hope you will give me another chance.  I will try to be better for this clash against the Wizards.

Defensive Intensity

You have heard me talk about the emphasis Coach Joerger places on defense and how it is the Kings area that most requires improvement.  I continue to monitor the developments over the preseason.  Sacramento has only held the opposition to under 100 points in one game and that was against Maccabi Haifa, a non-NBA team.  I have seen slight improvements, but I am excited to see how it looks tonight.

DeMarcus Cousin’s Monster Game

Okay, I know I predicted it against the Lakers and he sat out.  I believe he will play tonight and back in front of a Kentucky crowd, I am expecting a big game.  He will have plenty of opportunities with the ball in his hands and I expect him to make the most of them.  I am predicting his first double-double of the preseason with 20 points and 10 rebounds in today’s contest.

Rudy Gay Takes a Seat

He had a phenomenal game against the Lakers on Thursday, but he played 37 minutes.  Taking into account the cross country flight and his veteran status, I expect Gay to receive the night off.

Do not be surprised if Arron Afflalo, Darren Collison, and/or Anthony Tolliver join him in resting.

The Kentucky Atmosphere

I mentioned it is a homecoming of sorts for four players in this game, so I am excited to see how the Kentucky crowd reacts.  The Rupp Arena holds 23,500 people, so it will be interesting to see if it is a sellout and how rowdy the crowd is during the game.  Let us hope that the fans come out to support DeMarcus Cousins and he returns the favor with a dominant game.

Next: Sacramento Kings: Can Arron Afflalo Break The Curse?

Summary

Tonight, the Kings head to Kentucky to take on the Washington Wizards.  This should be a riveting contest between two former college teammates in John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins.  The game should be a fun watch with many great storylines to follow.  Check back to A Royal Pain for the game recap and all the information Kings fans need to know.  Thank you for reading.

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