Sacramento Kings: Game 78 Preview vs Dallas Mavericks

Dec 18, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) passes the ball around Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) and guard Garrett Temple (17) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) passes the ball around Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) and guard Garrett Temple (17) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) watches his team take on the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) watches his team take on the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Injuries

Sacramento Kings

According to Basketball Monster, the Sacramento Kings injury report features five players for tonight’s game.  Rudy Gay and Malachi Richardson are out for the season with their long-term injuries.  The Kings, also, have Garrett Temple, Tyreke Evans and Kosta Koufos listed as probable after resting in the last game.

The Kings will definitely rest players in tonight’s contest.  They have been going with three players out for most games and I suspect that trend will continue tonight.  No official word has been announced, but I will make a prediction later in the piece.

Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have a laundry list of players on their injury report as well.  According to Basketball Monster, four Mavericks are listed as questionable and one is listed as out.

Dirk Nowitzki (Achilles), J.J. Barea (rest), Harrison Barnes (rest), and Seth Curry (shoulder) are all listed as questionable for tonight’s game.  If all four sit out that would be a big blow to the Mavericks, but as of this writing, each player is considered 50-50 to suit up.

MUST READ: Despite Point Guard Success, the Kings Need a New Floor Manager

The Mavericks have already ruled out Wesley Matthews tonight due to rest.  Matthews has played 70 games this season already, but after his torn Achilles he was never quite returned to Portland Wesley Matthews.

The Mavericks are another team that could rest any of their players at any time, so it is imperative you check the final statuses tonight.

Stay Alert

As I mentioned, it is crucial that you check twitter or watch the pregame show to get the what for on who is in and who is out of tonight’s game.  This could change rapidly as tipoff approaches, so do not miss out.