SACRAMENTO -- The Sacramento Kings return home from Denver riding a three-game win streak. But waiting for them is one of the league’s best in the San Antonio Spurs.
DeMarcus Cousins is tearing up the league once again. In the Kings’ last three games, Cousins is averaging 34.7 points and 13.7 rebounds per night. He is dominating his opponents on a nightly basis, but he draws the league’s best defensive team in the Spurs.
The Spurs have won two straight and 8-of-9. They are cruising towards another extended playoff run while somehow flying under the radar. They are struggling a bit with injuries, but they systematically destroy teams on a near nightly basis.
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LINE
Spurs by 7
WHERE THEY STAND
Kings: 24-31, third place in Pacific
NBA
Spurs: 47-9, first place in Southwest
MATCHUP TO WATCH
DeMarcus Cousins vs. LaMarcus Aldridge -- Cousins has become the toughest post cover in the league. He can beat you from long range, off the dribble or on the block. Aldridge is new to the Spurs system, but they rely heavily on their star free agent acquisition. His numbers are down across the board, but that is the Spurs way. Aldridge and veteran superstar Tim Duncan will take turns trying to slow Cousins. It should be a fun matchup to watch.
INJURY REPORT
Kings: F-C Eric Moreland (foot surgery) out.
Spurs: F Kawhi Leonard (left calf) questionable, G Manu Ginobili (groin) out, F Matt Bonner (left calf) out.
SERIES HISTORY
San Antonio leads the season series 1-0, with the win coming back in early November at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings trail the overall series 110-55 and 82-39 in the Sacramento-era.
QUOTABLE
“He is one of the best big men in the league and has the whole package from the inside to outside and is very tough to play one-on-one with. It has to be a team defensive effort.” - Danilo Gallinari on DeMarcus Cousins