Sacramento Kings: Game 48 Preview at Philadelphia 76ers

Feb 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) drives past Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Sacramento Kings won 114-110. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) drives past Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Sacramento Kings won 114-110. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
4 of 5
NBA: Sacramento Kings at Chicago Bulls
NBA: Sacramento Kings at Chicago Bulls

What to Watch for Tonight

Boogie vs The Process

As you saw in the highlight video above DeMarcus Cousins and Joel Embiid both had great games in the first meeting and really went to work on each other.  It was fascinating to watch and I expect something similar if both players play tonight.

If you want to see the statistical line I predicted for DeMarcus Cousins or any other Kings’ player then check out my predicting the box score column found here.  It is full of fun tidbits about tonight’s game so enjoy it.  Thank you.

Darren Collison Commanding More Minutes

More from A Royal Pain

An interesting trend is starting to develop with Darren Collison.  Despite being the starting point guard, Collison has not played big minutes or produced big stats, but the last three games have been a different story.  Collison is playing 39 minutes a game and averaging 3.0 three-pointers made, 22.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.7 steals, and 2.7 turnovers in those contests.  Some of the production is fueled by unsustainably hot shooting, but the minutes are the biggest sign that Collison may be breaking out of his shell and commanding the job.

It will be interesting to monitor Collison’s playing time this week to see if he continues to receive big minutes and keeps producing huge statistical lines.  Stay tuned.

Defending the Three

The Sacramento Kings are the worst team in the NBA at defending three-pointers.  They rank 30th in opponents three-pointers made per game and 27th in three-point percentage allowed.

The 76ers are one of the league’s best three-point teams.  They rank 7th in three-pointers made per game with 10.5 a night.   They also attempt the 7th most in the league.

This could be a big key for the Kings tonight.  If they can defend the three-point line and force the 76ers into contested two’s it will go a long way in winning tonight’s contest.

Schedule