The Sacramento Kings travel to Mexico City Thursday night looking to make it two in a row. They face off against a tough Boston Celtics team led by former Kings guard Isaiah Thomas.
DeMarcus Cousins returned to the floor on Monday evening after missing the previous three with a lower back strain. The All-Star big man dropped in 31 points, nine rebounds and six assists as the Kings knocked off the Dallas Mavericks.
Seldom used Seth Curry made an impact in his second straight game and has now hit 9-of-12 3-pointers on the season. The 25-year-old guard may have earned a spot in George Karl’s rotation with his penchant for hitting the big shot and creating for his teammates.
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Boston leads the league in steals at 11.3 and they force the most turnovers per game at 19.2 per contest. The Celtics backcourt of Thomas and Avery Bradley lead the team in scoring, combining to score 36.9 points a night.
[HAM: Kings' mercurial veterans Cousins, Rondo need each other]
LINE
Celtics by 2
NBA
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Rajon Rondo vs. Isaiah Thomas -- Rondo is coming off an emotionally charged win over his former Mavericks teammates and now he faces the franchise he spent his first eight and a half years in the league playing for. Sacramento gave Thomas his first shot in the NBA when they selected him 60th overall in the 2011 draft and he always gets up to play against his former mates. The point guard battle should be a good one.
WHERE THEY STAND
Kings: 7-12, fourth place in Pacific
Celtics: 10-8, second place in Atlantic
INJURY REPORT
Kings: Omri Casspi (Gastroenteritis) is doubtful.
Celtics: PG Marcus Smart (knee) out.
SERIES HISTORY
The Kings won the last meeting between these two teams in February by a final of 109-101, but split the season series with the Celtics. Boston holds a 178-117 all-time lead over the Kings and a 33-25 advantage during the Sacramento-era.
QUOTABLE
“We’re unhappy, but it’s not that far from being a sunshiny day.” - Karl on his his team’s improved play of late