NBA Gameday: Doesn't get much better than Cousins vs Towns

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Can the Sacramento Kings make it three in a row? After erasing a 20-point second half lead to shock the Utah Jazz Tuesday night, the Kings continue their road trip Friday against a young and erratic Minnesota Timberwolves team.

Ty Lawson came to play against the Jazz. The speedy point guard attacked Utah’s big frontline, scoring 14 of his 19 points in the deciding second half. The veteran point guard is providing the Kings with a nice boost off the bench after a slow start to the season.

The Timberwolves have plenty of talent, but they haven’t quite figured out how to put it all together yet. They’ve won three out of four, but that was after losing 11 of their previous 13.

All five starters scored in double-figures for Minny Wednesday against the Hawks. They’ll need a team effort to slow the Kings who have joined the playoff conversation after flailing through the early part of their schedule.

LINE

Timberwolves by 4

MATCHUP TO WATCH

DeMarcus Cousins vs. Karl-Anthony Towns -- This isn’t a marquee matchup quite yet, but just wait. Cousins is destroying his opponents on most nights, posting 29.0 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Towns is the one of the bigs that will eventually challenge Cousins for his spot on the Western Conference All-Star team. At just 21-years-old, the second-year 7-footer is averaging 22.1 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks a night. They have contrasting styles, but this should be a fun battle to watch.

WHERE THEY STAND

Kings: 12-17, third place in Pacific

Timberwolves: 9-19, last place in Northwest

INJURY REPORT

Kings: SF Rudy (hip flexor) out, SF Omri Casspi (illness) questionable. Omri Casspi (illness) is expected to suit up and be available. 

Timberwolves: C Nikola Pekovic (Achilles, ankle) out.

SERIES HISTORY

After getting swept by Minnesota last season, Sacramento took the first game between these two teams on Oct. 29 by a final of 106-103 at Golden 1 Center. The Timberwolves lead the Kings 53-51 all-time.

QUOTE

“Without our bench tonight, we probably would have been smacked by 30.” --DeMarcus Cousins following the win over the Jazz
 

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