Sacramento Kings at Minnesota Timberwolves game 28 preview
By Tyler Watts
The Sacramento Kings travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Dec. 14 in a regular season game. This article previews that game from a Kings’ perspective.
The Sacramento Kings travel east to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight. It is the kickoff of a four-game road trip that sees the Kings visit Canada and back-to-back east coast cities. This evening is the first of three regular-season matchups between Sacramento and the Timberwolves.
Last time out, the Kings hosted the Phoenix Suns. George Hill returned after missing the prior game with a personal matter to lead Sacramento in scoring with 18 points and help the Kings secure a 99-92 victory on Tuesday. Below is a highlight video of the game for your enjoyment.
Both squads appear incredibly healthy as of this writing. The Kings are without Harry Giles until 2018, but that is the only listed injury. Willie Cauley-Stein returned against the Suns and figures to be a significant part of the gameplan. Our first look at the healthy new look Wolves should make for a fun game this evening.
Without further ado, here is the top thing I am watching for tonight and some final thoughts on the contest between the Sacramento Kings and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Dec 14.
Defense
The Kings struggle on the defensive end of the floor. That is not uncommon for a young squad that is still learning the ropes in the NBA, but Sacramento is 28 of 30 in defensive rating this season. The poor defense could become a nightmare this evening.
The Timberwolves revamped in the offseason under Coach Thibodeau’s plan. Minnesota traded for Jimmy Butler and added Jeff Teague and Taj Gibson in free agency to pair with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. That is a scary starting five, and the Wolves are fifth in offensive rating this season. That goes without mentioning their slow start as the new group became a cohesive unit.
Sacramento needs to step it up on the defensive end tonight if they want to be victorious. Minnesota is going to play their starters massive minutes, so every King needs to defend.
Final thoughts
The Dec. 14 game between the Sacramento Kings and the Minnesota Timberwolves should be an entertaining affair. Don’t look now, but the Kings are five and five in their last ten games including wins over the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and New Orleans Pelicans. Sacramento’s improved play makes the game interesting. If you have not watched the Timberwolves this season, please tune in tonight. They are a fun team with a lot of weapons. Enjoy the game.
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