Kings at Nuggets
THE STORY: The Sacramento Kings limp into their game against the
Denver Nuggets on a three-game losing streak, set to face a team that
handed them a 122-93 loss the last time they met. Sacramento has been
horrid away from home, dropping seven of its last eight road tilts. The
Nuggets picked up their third straight victory against San Antonio on
Sunday and have won their last four contests with the Kings.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, CS Sacramento (Kings), Altitude (Nuggets)
ABOUT THE KINGS (12-25):
There are rumors spreading that Sacramento may be shopping former NBA
Rookie of the Year winner Tyreke Evans. With the trade deadline looming
and the Kings needing veteran experience, Evans seems like the odd man
out in the team’s new rotation, which features Evans playing small
forward instead of point guard. Sacramento is getting great production
from rookie point guard Isaiah Thomas and shooting guard Marcus
Thornton, and also has Jimmer Fredette - who can play the point - off
the bench.
ABOUT THE NUGGETS (21-17): Denver is hoping to have top forward
Danilo Gallinari back on the floor against the Kings. The versatile
6-foot-10 Italian has missed the past 13 games with a sprained left
ankle, taking away the Nuggets best frontcourt scoring option.
Gallianari is averaging 17 points and 5.2 rebounds while stretching
opposing defenses with his shooting range. He is hitting 31.3 percent of
his 3-point attempts this season.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1.
Denver and Sacramento have combined for fireworks in recent meetings,
with at least one team topping the century mark in nine of their last 10
encounters.
2. Nuggets center Nene missed his 10th straight
game because of a heel injury Sunday. He will be a game-time decision
versus Sacramento.
3. Kings center DeMarcus Cousins scored 16
points and grabbed 14 rebounds versus the Suns for his 24th
double-double of the season.