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Sacramento Kings vs. Indiana Pacers: Battle of the Bogdanovic’s

By Jonathan Roberts

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 29: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Indiana Pacers faces off against Bogdan Bogdanovic #8 of the Sacramento Kings on March 29, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 29: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Indiana Pacers faces off against Bogdan Bogdanovic #8 of the Sacramento Kings on March 29, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Sacramento Kings are set to face off against the Indiana Pacers after falling under .500 for the first time since October.

The Sacramento Kings are back in action tonight for the first time since dropping below .500 after a solid start to the new season. The Kings are sitting at 10-11, under .500 for the first time since starting the season 1-3.

So, how will the Sacramento Kings respond? They’re in a different situation than they’re used to, but the Kings are relatively close to full-strength and played the West-leading Clippers down to the wire. The Pacers, meanwhile, are without star guard Victor Oladipo, who’s out indefinitely while recovering from a knee injury.

The Kings, for what it’s worth, are entirely healthy after Marvin Bagley III left Thursday’s game against the Clippers with a back issue. Bagley is listed as questionable for tonight’s game, but isn’t expected to play.

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Still, the Kings are in a good position to rebound from a tough loss against Los Angeles. The Kings are also at home for this one and their high-scoring backcourt (35.8 PPG) is at full-strength. There’s also the Bojan vs. Bogdan matchup of the Bogdanovic’s to talk about.

In two games against each other last season, the Sacramento Kings went (0-2), losing by an average of 10.5 points. In those games, Bogdan averaged 14 points, 2.5 rebounds and three assists, while Bojan outpaced him in scoring, averaging 23 points, 1.5 rebounds and two assists.

This is, however, a new season and two completely different teams from last year. Despite this, ESPN’s Basketball Power Index pegs the Pacers as 59.2 percent favorites even though they’re on the road and without their best player. Of course, the Pacers are still a solid basketball team with Bojan Bogdanovic and Domantas Sabonis leading the way.

Regardless, the Sacramento Kings should get a win if Buddy Hield and De’Aaron Fox are both able to perform at a high-level. They’ll certainly need one of their reserve players to step-up as well if Bagley is, in fact, out for tonight’s contest.

This could be a prime opportunity for Harry Giles III to finally have a breakout game if he’s able to get some extended run without Bagley on the floor.

Regardless, the Sacramento Kings need a win in the worst way after being on the losing end of three-straight games. The Kings are at home, have their best players healthy and are hungry for a win. Because of that, I think they come out on top tonight.

Next. The Sacramento Kings have to move on from Brandon Williams. dark

Final: Indiana Pacers 98, Sacramento Kings 107

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