Game Preview: Dallas Mavericks (10-7) at Sacramento Kings (6-12)
By Rafe Wong
Tonight the Dallas Mavericks will visit Sleep Train Arena to play the Sacramento Kings, in other words, Rajon Rondo will face his former team since his departure from last season.
As many NBA fans know, Rondo and the Mavericks had an ugly break-up, which factored in to why the Kings were the only team to have interest in Rondo as a free agent.
The Mavericks have a good squad this season with a 10-7 record. Players like Dirk Nowitzki, Deron Williams, and Wesley Matthews are some of the players that have helped with the cause.
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It will be a tough beat for the Kings to come out victorious tonight, especially if DeMarcus Cousins back prevents him from playing, but if they do want to win this game they must follow these three keys.
Limit Turnovers: This key continues to be part of these previews because it is the main achilles heel that the Kings have on the offensive end. Out of the 30 teams in the league, the Kings are ranked 24th in ball security averaging 16 turnovers a game. If Sacramento is able to keep the turnovers at a minimum tonight, the already efficient offense will be more lethal.
Benny Mack Attack: The Kings chances of winning this matchup tonight will dramatically increase if they get a good game from Ben McLemore. Throughout this season, McLemore remains to be inconsistent in his play, and therefore has been unreliable.
An efficient McLemore is one that is able to play good defense, use his athleticism to make plays, and is able to make his jump shots. If McLemore is able to that tonight, it will help the Kings immensely.
The Great Rudini: Recently, Kings forward Rudy Gay has had trouble putting the ball in the basket. In the last two games Gay has averaged 11 points while shooting 24.3% from the floor.
With or without Cousins, if the Kings are going to have a chance to win tonight Rudy has to have at least a solid outing scoring the ball. As fans know from the Kings recent win in Milwaukee, if Gay is able to find his stroke and be efficient on the offensive end, it dramatically improves his team.
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Final Thoughts: Overall, if the Kings can limit their turnovers and have good performances from both Ben McLemore and Rudy Gay, the Kings will be competitive tonight. The defense of Sacramento will also have to have a solid performance as well.
Dallas may not be the most high-powered offensive squad (averaging 100.1 points a game), but so far this season any team has been able to put up big offensive numbers on the purple and white.
Next: Post Game Notes (11/28) Kings-Warriors
Lastly, DeMarcus Cousins is listed questionable for tonight’s game, and if unable to play would be the fourth consecutive game that his back has prevented him from suiting up. The Kings are 1-7 this season when Cousins is out.