A Royal Pain
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Game Preview: Sacramento Kings Host Mavericks For An Easter Day Game

By Gabe Callahan

Jan 5, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) is fouled by Sacramento Kings forward Quincy Acy (13) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) is fouled by Sacramento Kings forward Quincy Acy (13) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Sacramento Kings have a chance to become season-long spoilers for the hobbled and slumping Dallas Mavericks. In today’s Easter afternoon game the Kings look to make it three games out of four in the season series against the Mavericks who are looking to limp into the playoffs.

The Kings (28-44) have had the Mavericks (35-37) number this season winning twice out of the three times the teams have met up. The one loss coming with a buzzer-beater during double overtime in Dallas.

The Mavs are just outside the eighth spot to make the playoffs and are competing with the Jazz and Rockets to squeak in. The Kings have a chance to ruin their plans and cap off one of the bright spots in an overall disappointing season.

Lately, the Kings have won games by keeping opponents to under a hundred points. Rookie Willie Cauley-Stein finally saw some significant playing time and scored a season-high 26 points last game. Even Seth Curry is seeing some minutes. It’s like the Kings are finally doing the things everybody wanted them to do earlier in the year.

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DeMarcus Cousins scored 29 points and had 11 rebounds Friday against the Suns. Expect him to have at least a double-double today. Rudy Gay has performed well against the Mavs, so also expect him to add a lot of points. But it is Rajon Rondo that Dallas should be worried about.

Rondo seems to love playing against his former team. It’s like he’s trying to prove something. He scored 18 points and had 12 assists in a win over Dallas in their last match-up.

Dirk Nowitzki is expected to play tonight after sitting out to rest in their last game at Golden State. Deron Williams will not play due to an abdominal strain.

The Kings’ Three Keys To The Game:

  • Hold On To The Ball- The Kings have struggled with turnovers all season. When they are able to take care of the ball they stay competitive. No unforced turnovers will contribute to a win, so the Kings shouldn’t get too fancy with the passing.
  • Be Motivated- The Mavs might be injured, but they have a lot of motivation to come into Sleep Train and get the win. It will even the season series, make them jump up a game in the playoff race, and give them momentum going into a back-to-back against the Jazz tomorrow. The Kings can’t come out sluggish and automatically go behind by 15 points, like they have done all season. Sacramento needs to rise to the challenge.
  • Play Defense.  Honestly, just play some defense.  It helps teams win basketball games.

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Remember, it’s an early game, it starts at 3:00pm PST. (Also, you should thank me for not using any Easter themed puns in this post). It will be obvious early on in this game if Sacramento will get a win. If they are competitive though the first half, then I predict a spoiler filled win by the Kings. EGG-cellent!

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