SACRAMENTO -- The Sacramento Kings look to make it three in a row and push their record back to .500 Thursday night at the Golden 1 Center. Standing in their way is a surprising young Lakers team that is playing very well under first-year head coach Luke Walton.
Darren Collison returned to action Tuesday night for Sacramento, scoring nine points and handing out four assists in 28 minutes of action off Dave Joerger’s bench. He pushed the pace, opened up the Kings offense and his team responded with a nice win over the Pelicans in his first game back.
Los Angeles is fresh off a 109-97 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday and looking for a bounce back game. The Lakers are running and gunning early, averaging 108.6 points per game (6th best in the league) in the first two weeks of the season. They have five players averaging in double-figures through eight games and a 10-man rotation with every player seeing at least 14.4 minutes of action, but no more than 28.3.
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OPENING LINE
Kings by 4.5
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Kings perimeter defense vs. Lakers guards -- The Lakers have a ton of high-volume perimeter scorers, including D’Angelo Russell, Nick Young, Lou Williams and Jordan Clarkson. All four are averaging 14.5 points or more per game coming in and they combine to shoot over 20 3-pointers per game. Sacramento has been solid most nights on the perimeter, but they have been susceptible to the attack on the heart of the key. If they can slow the Lakers guards, they have a good chance of improving their season record to .500.
NBA
WHERE THEY STAND
Kings: 4-5, fourth place in Pacific
Lakers: 4-4, third place in Pacific
INJURY REPORT
Kings: Anthony Tolliver (right knee contusion) questionable.
Lakers: F Larry Nance Jr. (concussion) day-to-day.
SERIES HISTORY
Sacramento swept the season series with the Lakers last year 4-0 and currently have a seven game win streak against Los Angeles. The Lakers hold a 42-90 lead during the Sacramento-era and a 268-151 advantage all-time.
QUOTE
“We talk about want(ing) to be a playoff team this year. I think everybody has to step to the plate and guard your position and really help your teammates defend.” -Darren Collison on it will take to win this season