Hoping to avoid its first five-game losing streak in nearly four years, it’s no secret the San Antonio Spurs will arrive ready to right the ship on Friday in Sacramento. However, the Spurs face a team that they’ve lost to once already this season who has won three-consecutive home games.
[RELATED: Kings Schedule]
Sacramento played a very physical game against the Grizzlies on Wednesday night, but George Karl knows building off of that win is a challenge all on its own. “I don’t think Pop is going to rest any of his guys,” he told media following their recent win, “He’ll have a full crew out there.”
- Sacramento is coming off a 102-90 win on Wednesday night over Memphis, who entered the game with the second-most wins in the Western Conference and third most in the NBA.
- DeMarcus Cousins suffered a left ankle sprain and hip contusion and is doubtful vs. the defending champs.
- Tonight marks the 3rd matchup between the two teams. In the team's first meeting, Sacramento grabbed a tough 94-91 victory at home, while San Antonio was able to defend their home court in the second meeting, defeating the Kings 112-104.
Projected Starters
Broadcasts: TV – CSNCA
Comcast – 34/721
Dish – 441/9579
Hopper – 412-29
DirecTV – 698-1
AT&T – 768/1768
Radio – KHTK Sports 1140 AM
Big Victory Over Memphis
The Kings were able to snap a nine-game losing streak against the Grizzlies on Wednesday in Sacramento, securing their third-consecutive win at home.
[RELATED: Rudy Propels Kings Past Grizzlies]
“It always feels good to get a win against a good team like Memphis,” said guard Ray McCallum, “they’ve been playing really well this year.”
Head coach George Karl enjoyed the matchup, noting the toughness his players maintained throughout the contest. “It was a man’s game. It was a battle. It was a competition of physical guys.”
The Defending Champs
Currently 1-1 against the Spurs, the Kings have a chance to pull out another home win over Tony Parker and Co.
“You know how they’re going to play,” said McCallum. “It’s our job to go out there and execute our game plan… We’ve got to be smart.”
Having grown up watching Tony Parker, the new Kings starter looks forward to the challenge the seasoned veteran poses to him. “His craftiness around the rim is crazy. As a guy I looked up to as a Kid, I get the change to go up against him – I’m excited about that.”
San Antonio comes to Sacramento having lost their previous four games. “They’re going to be ready to play,” said Coach Karl.
Injury Update:
Kings:
- DeMarcus Cousins (Left Ankle Sprain & Left Hip Contusion) is doubtful.
- Darren Collison (Right Hip Flexor Sprain) is out.
- Eric Moreland (Left Shoulder Labral Tear) is out.
Spurs
- Vince Carter (Left Foot Tendon Injury) is out.