When: Wednesday November 7th, 2012 7:00 PM PST

Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

Starting Lineups:

Sacramento                                                             Detroit

          PG: Isaiah Thomas                                                 PG: Brandon Knight

          SG: Tyreke Evans                                                   SG: Rodney Stuckey

           SF: James Johnson                                                SF: Tayshuan Prince

      PF: Jason Thompson                                             PF: Jason Maxiell

   C: DeMarcus Cousins                                             C: Greg Monroe

Injury Report:

Sacramento                                                              Detroit

                                                                                                               SF Corey Maggette (calf): OUT

Keys to the Game:

1.) Play the Paint

While DeMarcus Cousins has played fairly well so far this season, he needs to change his game if he wants to maximize on his potential. Right now Cousins relies mostly upon his mid range game, shooting from 20 feet out he has been reliable as a scorer. While jumpers are great Cousins is needed for scoring in the paint, something the Kings have lacked all year. Cousins has the strength and physicality to dominate inside the paint, but lately he has turned into more of a power forward then a center. This may not be the perfect time to start working in the paint as Greg Monroe can always be tough inside, but it will be a decisive factor in who wins. The offense already revolves around DeMarcus Cousins, now let’s get him the ball for shots inside and start drawing more fouls. I’m not saying we should take away Cousins midrange game entirely, but he needs to become a more well rounded scorer.

2.) Make your shots Tyreke!

We saw in the season opener that there is still a spec of light for the career of Tyreke Evans. Evans had a strong opener scoring 21 points making 8 of 13 shots from the floor. It gave Kings fans a sign of hope that we may finally have our old Tyreke back, but the past 3 games have been an eyesore to put it kindly. Since his strong performance, Evans has scored a combined 23 points in the Kings past 3 games. A big reason for his struggles has been his inability to make shots, as through 3 games he has made just 9 of  38 shots or  .237%. Simply put Evans couldn’t hit Sleep Train Arena if he was standing on top of it. Fortunately for Evans he hasn’t been pulled in favor of Marcus Thornton, and still has a chance to improve his market for free agency next season. If the Kings want to win back to back games the pressure will be on Tyreke to put the ball in the hoop tonight against the Pistons. Even if he can hit 35% it will play a significant role in the outcome of the game.

Team MVP: DeMarcus Cousins 19 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals

Prediction: Kings 97 Pistons 91

There are many words that I use to describe Chad Ford. Most of them refer to the anatomy of a male or female genitalia, but there are times, not a lot, but a few here and there that Chad Ford actually makes some sense and appears to have an inside track. This could be one of them. Maybe. Actually, probably not.

Per Ford:

The Kings have not made up their mind at No. 5, but a well positioned league source is telling me that they continue to lean toward DeMarcus Cousins with the pick. While there isn’t totally unanimity in the Kings’ war room, that’s where the consensus lies. Greg Monroe is still in the conversation and a trade isn’t out of the realm of possibility but if the draft were to happen tonight, Cousins would be the man.

Realistically, he’s not saying much that you, I, or the girl serving frosties (mmm, frosties) at a local Sacramento Wendy’s haven’t figured out. But this just appears to give some validity to the situation. Or maybe that’s just because it’s what I want to hear and it makes me look like a fucking genius? Okay, it probably is. I’m selfish. I’m the John Salmons of blogging. OH! BURNRNRN!!!

I guess I should ask God my next move, eh?

Anyway – this is still a Chad Ford piece and it’s another “unnamed source” that he’s so accustom to using (Geoff Petrie’s dog’s are my best guess…)…so do with it what you wish. I wouldn’t recommend this one as toilet paper though…well, give it a day and a half. Then feel free.