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Sacramento Kings at Brooklyn Nets game 31 preview

By Tyler Watts

NEW YORK, USA - NOVEMBER 27: Kostas Koufos (41) of Sacramento Kings in action during the NBA basketball game between Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings at the Barclays Center in New York City, NY, United States on November 27, 2016. (Photo by Mohammed Elshamy/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, USA - NOVEMBER 27: Kostas Koufos (41) of Sacramento Kings in action during the NBA basketball game between Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings at the Barclays Center in New York City, NY, United States on November 27, 2016. (Photo by Mohammed Elshamy/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /
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The Sacramento Kings travel to face the Brooklyn Nets on Dec. 20 in a regular season game.  This article previews that game from a Kings’ perspective.

The Sacramento Kings make their lone trip to the Barclays Center to face the Brooklyn Nets tonight.  The Kings conclude a four-game road trip this evening in the second of a back-to-back.  They return home to face the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.

Last time out, the Kings traveled to Philadelphia for a battle against the 76ers.  Joel Embiid missed the game with a back injury and Sacramento made a furious second-half comeback to win 101-95 on Tuesday.  Below is a highlight video of that game for your enjoyment.

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 Brooklyn Nets on Dec 20.

NOTE: It is always difficult to predict what happens in a mid-season second of a back-to-back in the NBA.  Players rest, minor injuries force players out, and coaches make decisions they usually would not make.  Be aware things could turn on their ear by the time tipoff approaches.

Big men feast

The Nets rank 24th out of 30 NBA teams in opponent’s points in the paint, and they struggle defending big men.  Brooklyn lacks a strong rim-protecting center, and they prefer to play small.  That should create a potential flaw for the Kings to exploit.

Sacramento is flush with options at the five.  Willie Cauley-Stein and Zach Randolph figure to be the two prime beneficiaries.  Both men could go off this evening and the Kings dominating the battle in the paint would go a long way in securing a victory.

Final thoughts

There you have it, a brief preview of the Dec. 20 game between the Sacramento Kings and the Brooklyn Nets.  The Nets love to play fast and mix up their rotations.  It should be an exciting game.  Please tune in and enjoy the contest.

De’Aaron Fox returned on Tuesday but only played in the first half before the injury cropped up again.  Read more about that story here.  I suspect he misses tonight’s game.  Hopefully, George Hill returns from his illness or the Kings will be thin at the point this evening.  Rookie Frank Mason could see extended playing time and have an opportunity to endear himself to the organization further.  Be on the lookout for more information as tipoff approaches.

Bogdan Bogdanovic also returned on Tuesday.  He left Sunday’s game in Toronto early but never missed a full game.  Expect him to be ready to roll again against the Nets.

Next: Why Michael Porter Jr. could be a steal for the Kings

A Royal Pain is your place for Sacramento Kings content this season.  Our team brings information on a daily basis that gets you closer to the organization, so be sure to check back with us frequently.  Thank you for reading.

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