With the Sacramento Kings currently holding the 8th seed in the Western Conference, they are in their best position to make the postseason in years.
In order to keep their status in the standings, plus continue to add on to their now 4 game winning streak, they will have to beat the Indiana Pacers tonight.
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The Pacers last night were outplayed by the NBA’s best Golden State Warriors, and will probably look at tonight’s game as a quick way to redeem themselves from the night before.
This game will be another tough one for the Sacramento Kings to endure. With a record of 23-20, the Pacers currently have the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference.
The last time these two teams met it took place in Indiana where the Kings came out on top 108-106. In order for the Kings to complete the season sweep, they must follow these three keys to the game.
Offensive Help From Others: Of course for the Kings to be efficient offensively it starts with DeMarcus Cousins, Rajon Rondo, and perhaps Rudy Gay (questionable with bruised heel). But in order for the Kings to outscore a Pacers team that allows 100 points per game (9th in the league), the Kings will also need their role players to have solid offensive outings.
This means players like Darren Collison, Omri Casspi, Ben McLemore, and others will need to step up and play well. The Kings got support from others when they defeated Atlanta Thursday night, and will need the same type of production against Indiana.
Stop Paul George: Defensively, the Kings need to focus on stopping Paul George. After enduring a gruesome leg injury in 2014, Paul George has rejuvenated his career by averaging 23.5 points and 7.3 rebounds a game this season. If the Kings are able to maintain George from lighting it up on the court, it will help greatly in stagnating the Pacers offense.
Take Care of the Basketball: Lastly, the Kings need to limit their turnovers for tonight’s game. The Pacers are currently ranked 1st in the NBA in points off turnovers, averaging 20.6 points a game (per Sporting Charts). The Kings are presently tied 28th in ball control, averaging 16 turnovers per game (per ESPN).
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If the Kings continue to do a poor job in taking care of the basketball, the Pacers will take advantage of this deficiency and make them pay on the offensive end.
Closing Statement: The recipe for a Sacramento victory tonight will be for the Kings offensively to have others be involved, defensively maintain Paul George, and to play clean basketball.
The Kings are currently playing their best span of games for the season, and a win tonight will allow them to continue riding Cloud Nine. Sacramento is leading the Utah Jazz by 1/2 a game and the Portland Trail Blazers by 1 1/2 games for the final playoff spot in the West.