Suns at Kings
THE STORY: Fresh off a 106-101 victory over Oklahoma City, the Sacramento Kings will try to win their fifth consecutive home game against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night. Tyreke Evans had 22 points and DeMarcus Cousins scored 19 as the Kings rallied past the Thunder. “We’re trying to build. These two guys are the stones right now,” Sacramento coach Keith Smart said. Phoenix lost to Houston 96-89 on Thursday and was outrebounded 44-31.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Suns), CS California (Kings)
ABOUT THE SUNS (11-15): The Suns are just 5-7 at home but have won three of four on the road. Channing Frye, who had a season-high 21 points and 10 rebounds against Houston, is eager to get back in position for a playoff spot. “We're going to continue to work hard, go on this road trip and do the best we can,” Frye said. Steve Nash was 7 of 7 from the field on the same day he was chosen as an All-Star reserve.
ABOUT THE KINGS (10-16): Rookie Isaiah Thomas is having trouble with swelling in the knuckle of his left hand. He had a chipped fracture on the knuckle during Monday’s game in New Orleans. “It's tough to catch and shoot,” he said. “I've been trying to adjust it by shooting a lot and seeing how I can do a little different. Once the swelling goes down, it'll be all right.” Guard John Salmons is shooting a career-worst 36.8 percent and averaging just 7.6 points, half of his average from last season.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Nash has averaged 23.9 points and 12.6 assists in his last 10 games against the Kings.
2. Cousins is averaging 19.5 points and 14.8 rebounds in his last four games.
3. Cousins is one of the 18 players selected to appear in the Feb. 24 Rising Stars Challenge during NBA All-Star Weekend.