Control The Pace
The pace of the game will be a major factor in tonight’s contest. For the Kings, they are currently one of the fastest teams in the NBA as they have a pace factor of 106.3 (second in the league) through the year so far. The way De’Aaron Fox and the Kings are able to increase the tempo against their opponents is why their offense has been electric.
As for the Magic, they play pretty much an opposite style of offense. As of now, Orlando has a pace factor of 99.9 which is ranked 26th amongst the league. Their ability to slow down the speed of the game and play a halfcourt offense is what they feel more comfortable doing when they are on the hardwood.
So here we have it. Two teams, two different styles of play. Whichever club is able to control the pace of the game is probably going to win.
For the Kings, they obviously are a better team when they are playing at a faster rate, so it is up to guys like De’Aaron Fox, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and others to make sure that they are pushing the tempo whenever they get the chance. Sacramento has to make sure to play in their comfort zone while forcing Orlando to play out of theirs.