A Royal Pain
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Game Preview: Sacramento Kings (27-44) Host Phoenix Suns (20-51)

By Rafe Wong

Feb 8, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Thomas (3) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Thomas (3) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Sacramento Kings have ended their road trip and will be back in Sleep Train Arena tonight as they face the Phoenix Suns.

As disappointing of a season that the Kings have had, the Suns season has been just as worse. For a team two years ago that was on the cusp of postseason contention, Phoenix now sees themselves going downhill as they have a record of 20-51.

So far this season the Kings have played the Suns twice and the season series is split at 1-1. The Kings definitely have a shot at taking the lead in the series but it is going to take consistency and an adequate level of play on both ends of the court to achieve the victory.

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Throughout this season, a major flaw that the Kings have faced is that they cannot play a full 48 minutes of quality basketball.

There usually is a portion of the game where the Kings are simply outmatched by their oppositions, which in most cases plays of significant factor into the final results of their games.

Another deficiency that the Kings have faced is that they are rarely able to perform solid both on offense and defense. Sacramento has no problem, at least in most games, to put points on the scoreboard, but they also allow their competition to score a bunch of points as well.

Jan 2, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo (9) talks to a teammate while defended by Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (3) during the first half of the NBA game at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings won 142-119. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo (9) talks to a teammate while defended by Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (3) during the first half of the NBA game at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings won 142-119. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

The Kings are currently dead last in the league in allowed points per contest (109.2), and it has been arguably their ultimate Achilles heel this season.

The Phoenix Suns have not performed well this season. This is a game that the Kings can win if they don’t get caught slipping. If they can be consistent on both ends of the court for all four quarters they should be fine.

Big man DeMarcus Cousins was out with a knee injury in their last contest against Minnesota, and it is uncertain whether the All-Star will return back to action tonight.

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If unable to do so the Kings will have to rely heavily upon Rajon Rondo and Rudy Gay for offensive production.

For the purple and white to perform well defensively they must contain the guard play of Brandon Knight and Devin Booker as both players have the ability to make shots from the perimeter.

The perimeter defense of the Kings has been horrible this season, and if they continue their struggles tonight it could possibly cost them the game.

Tonight’s game will be located in Sacramento, meaning that the game will start at 7:00 PM Pacific Time. The Kings will also be rocking their baby blue uniforms as they continue their trend of attire for Flashback Friday games.

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