Detroit Pistons (0-4) @ Sacramento Kings (1-3)

Where: Sacramento, California  Sleep Train Arena

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