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Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns: Preseason Game 3 Preview

By Anthony Cardenas

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 23: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns faces off against Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings on March 23, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 23: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns faces off against Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Sacramento Kings on March 23, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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There are no must-win preseason games, but the Sacramento Kings sure could use a boost of confidence after an underwhelming start to the preseason.

The first basketball game of the season to be played inside Golden 1 Center will take place tonight as the Sacramento Kings play host to the Phoenix Suns in a preseason matchup between Pacific Division foes.

The Suns are 1-0 so far in the preseason, coming off of a victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first contest. In that game, Phoenix received contributions from nearly their entire roster, including a team-high 18 points from second-year center Deandre Ayton.

The Kings are coming off of two disappointing showings in their games in India. Sacramento squandered a 13-point halftime lead in the first game against the Pacers and fell short in overtime. They were outplayed in the second contest as well, losing 130-106. There were a few bright spots for the Kings during the mini-series, but the performances raised plenty of issues for Sacramento, namely on the defensive end.

Here’s what you need to know about tonight’s contest:

Tip-off: 7:00 PM PT
Radio: 1140 KHTK (Coverage begins at 6:30)
Watch: Stream live on Fubo.tv

Betting Info: Unknown. (Don’t bet on preseason NBA basketball. There is a winner-take-all MLB playoff game tonight. Bet on that)

Injury Report:

Suns:
Mikal Bridges: Questionable (knee)
Kelly Oubre Jr.: Questionable (hand)
Aron Baynes: Questionable (nose)

Kings:
Dewayne Dedmon: Questionable (illness)
Harry Giles: Out (knee)
Tyler Ulis: Doubtful (hip)
Cory Joseph: Out (groin)

Matchup To Watch:

The Suns and Kings actually match up well, and one battle to watch will be in the frontcourt. Ayton and Marvin Bagley are the top two picks from last years’ draft, and grew up playing together. But things will get interesting when Sacramento goes to its bench.

With Harry Giles missing his third game in a row, the newly signed Richaun Holmes will be the backup center. Holmes has to prove his worth in coach Luke Walton’s rotation, especially since he is not currently battling Giles for minutes. Holmes played for Phoenix last season and will surely have extra motivation going against his former team.

Prediction:

There is nothing harder than making preseason predictions in any sport, but the Kings will be at home and hungry for a victory.

Kings win 113-107

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