Indiana Pacers Weekly Recap and Preview
By Evan Reller
Jan 7, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) controls a pass against Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez (42) during the second quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Sacramento Kings at Indiana
Jan. 14th 7:00PM TV – FSMW/NBATV
The Kings sit near the bottom of the NBA with a 13-22 record. They are the second worst team in the West, but are coming off a three game win streak that started with a four point victory over Portland. This team has a surprisingly good offense, averaging 102 points per game, and is good on the glass sitting at 12th in the league in rebounding.
They have had 12-straight games where they’ve scored over 100 points, but in 10 of those games allowed their opponent to score over 100 as well. The Kings are 6-6 during that stretch.
DeMarcus Cousins is having a monster season. He’s averaging 23 points per game to go along with 11.5 rebounds. He has a tendency to get into foul trouble and can be easily frustrated. It will be interesting to see how Hibbert handles Cousins in the post. The Pacers might also matchup West on Cousins to keep Hibbert from fouling.
Since coming over from Toronto, Rudy Gay has been giving the Kings 20 points per game. Isaiah Thomas is contributing 19 per game as well. But after those two, no one on the roster averages more than nine points per game. The Pacers will want to take away one or two of these three players and force someone else to step up for the Kings.
There’s no reason the Pacers should lose this one at home. The Kings really aren’t that good and will struggle against Indiana’s stifling defense.