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Sacramento Kings: 4 Players Who Need To Excel Against Indiana

By John Kelly

SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 1: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings dunks against the Indiana Pacers on December 1, 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 - DECEMBER 1: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings dunks against the Indiana Pacers on December 1, 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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With the Sacramento Kings in Indiana to face off against the Pacers, which four players on the Kings should the fans dial in on for tonight’s contest.

The Sacramento Kings are in Indiana tonight to compete against the Pacers for the final time in the 2018-19 regular season. The last time these two teams met was just last Saturday when the Kings won in a thriller by a score of 111-110.

Right now, the Kings are hot as they are currently on a three-game winning streak and have a record of 13-11, putting them in a position for a playoff berth. The Pacers are also a team that is playing good basketball as well. Since losing to the Kings last week, they have not lost yet and sit at a record of 15-10.

Both teams are looking to continue their hot streak of play, but obviously, we want the Kings to leave the contest with a win. With that being said, here are four players on the purple and white that need to have good games in order for that reality to happen.

Player #1: Bogdan Bogdanovic

Bogdan Bogdanovic led the way for the Kings the last time these two teams met as he recorded 20 points, six assists, and two steals. As always, Bogdan knows how to get work done and help his team win. Last Saturday, it was by being aggressive by setting himself and others for scores. Bogdan will need another good night if the Kings want to be competitive in this game.

Player #2: De’Aaron Fox

De’Aaron Fox had a stellar game last Saturday as he filled up the box score with 15 points, six assists, four steals, and four rebounds. The 20-year old did struggle shooting the ball as he went 4-16 from the field, but he was still able to hit 100% of his seven free-throw attempts. Tonight, De’Aaron will need to repeat the same kind of effort with a higher percentage in shooting from the field. Fox must continue to shoot the ball regardless of how many times he misses. It opens up the offense immensely when Fox manages to hit a couple of buckets

Player #3: Willie Cauley-Stein

Willie Cauley-Stein had a big game against the Pacers as he recorded 17 points and 13 rebounds. Oh yeah, he also made the shot that sealed the victory for his team.

For the Kings to be good tonight, they need a similar performance from Willie. The Pacers have Myles Turner who is a beast on both ends of the court, but if Willie plays his role to the fullest, he will be able to limit the play of Indiana’s star big.

Player #4: Buddy Hield

Last Saturday, Buddy was able to put up 18 points which is a pretty typical night for him. But it came off shooting 6-16 from the court and 2-9 from the three-point line. Not so typical.

For the Kings’ offense to flow tonight, they need Buddy to have a good outing shooting the ball. When he has his shooting stroke right, it opens up so many more opportunities for the Kings’ offense to be lethal. In the past two games, Buddy has been hot when shooting the ball. Let us hope that continues tonight.

What Kind of Effort Is Needed?

The Sacramento Kings won a back and forth battle against the Indiana Pacers last week. With the memory still fresh of the dunk by Willie Cauley-Stein, you can be sure the Pacers will be ready to defend their home floor.

The Pacers, who are ranked fourth in the Eastern Conference, are a well-coached team.  The Kings will have to execute proficiently on offense along with playing the inspired defense they showed against the Phoenix Suns.

Cauley-Stein gathered all four of his steals in the first quarter of the Suns game that led to easy scores. The Suns are nowhere near as good as the Pacers but the Kings dominated the whole game. That said: If the Kings can secure another win against the Pacers on the road, it would say a lot about their progress for the season.

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