National Basketball Association

Sacramento Kings: Game 22 Preview versus New York Knicks

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:23 p.m. ET

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Dec 4, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) drives against New York Knicks center Joakim Noah (13) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 106-98. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Sacramento Kings return home to face the New York Knicks on December 9, 2016.  This article examines everything Sacramento fans need to know about tonight’s game.

The Sacramento Kings and the Golden 1 Center play host to the New York Knicks for tonight’s contest.  These two teams just did battle on Sunday inside Madison Square Garden.  The Kings fought the good fight but ended up drawing the short straw in a 106-98 defeat.  Below is a highlight video from that game for your viewing pleasure.

Without further ado, let us get to tonight’s game preview for the home game against those pesky New York Knicks.

Dec 4, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) drives around Sacramento Kings guard Darren Collison (7) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 106-98. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Injuries

No injuries to report for the Sacramento Kings again tonight.  This squad has been incredibly healthy this season.  That is a tribute to every single person involved in the franchise and a little bit of luck.  Nice work on this one Kings and I am hoping the luck continues.

New York Knicks starting point guard Derrick Rose is questionable with back spasms.  According to the New York Post, Rose had his back examined and the MRI came out clean, but he sat out the team’s last contest.  He is set to travel with the team to Sacramento but is still questionable to be involved in the action.

Be sure to check out twitter or watch the pregame coverage to see if Rose is suiting up and any late breaking news that may develop.

Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) celebrates his game-winning shot with forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 106-104. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks’ Scouting Report

I wrote a good sized scouting report on the New York Knicks for Sunday’s game, found here if you care to read my thoughts on the team from last weekend.

More from A Royal Pain

The Knicks split a pair of games since that game.  On Tuesday, they defeated the Heat in Miami before returning home to take a 126-94 drubbing by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Their record currently sits at 12 wins and 10 losses, currently in 6th position in the Eastern Conference.

Their road record has been a different story.  They have struggled mightily away from Madison Square Garden with only 3 wins in 9 away games this season.  They have turned it around recently winning their last 2 road games.  It will be interesting to see if they continue their winning ways on the road or if the season numbers return to take charge tonight.

Expect to see Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis do the heavy lifting for the Knicks tonight.  If Derrick Rose is out, the Knicks might rely even more on Anthony and Porzingis.  With Rose playing, the duo takes 38.9% of the Knicks field goal attempts this season.  They are both outstanding players who are probably headed for this year’s All-Star Game.  Enjoy watching them ball tonight.

Nov 23, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) looks to pass against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Anthony Morrow (2) during the second half at Golden 1 Center. The Kings beat the Thunder 116-101. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

What to Watch for?

McLemore or Afflalo?

Coach Joerger finally made the switch in the Kings’ last game in Dallas.  He decided to not only start Ben McLemore but gave him all of Arron Afflalo’s minutes.  It was Afflalo’s first did not play coach’s decision of the season.

Ben McLemore did not exactly cover himself in glory on Wednesday.  He shot 3 out of 11 from the field, 1 out of 6 from 3-point land, and a perfect 2 of 2 from the free-throw line.  He only produced 1 rebound, 1 personal foul, 1 turnover, and 9 points in his 22 minutes of action.  I do know about you, but that line looks a bit lacking to me.

It will be interesting to see if Coach Joerger sticks with McLemore starting and Afflalo out of the rotation.  At least in the short term, I suspect it will continue, but if McLemore doesn’t improve his play the Kings could start looking for another alternative quickly.  Monitor this situation during tonight’s contest.

Defending the Boogie-man

DeMarcus Cousins played 43 minutes against the Knicks on Sunday and walked away with a dominant statistical line.  He had 36 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks while shooting 9 of 30 from the field, 4 of 10 from 3-point territory, and 14 of 16 from the foul stripe.  Imagine if Cousins just improves his efficiency tonight?  What does that line look like?

It is quite possible he does just that.  The Knicks rate as a bad defensive team by almost every metric so far this season.  Be on the lookout for a Boogie explosion tonight.

If you want to see the statistical line I predicted for DeMarcus Cousins tonight or any other Kings’ player then check out my predicting the box score column found here.  It is a fast and easy read, so please enjoy it.  Thank you.

Coach Joerger’s Surprise of the Day

Coach Dave Joerger is a man with many tricks up his sleeve.  He never announces things until just before they happen, but he loves to tinker with the minutes and rotations.  Last game, it was inserting Ben McLemore into the starting lineup, but who knows what tonight’s surprise will be.  Stay tuned to the game to see if he pulls another fast one on us or if he keeps the status quo from the Dallas victory.  This is the thing I am always monitoring throughout each game.

Dec 4, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) shoots against Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 106-98. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Summary

There you have it, my game preview for tonight’s contest between the Sacramento Kings and the New York Knicks.  I believe tonight is victory number 9 for the Kings and Vegas is on the bandwagon as the Kings are slight favorites heading into the contest.  Let us hope we are both right and the Kings earn a home victory.

Be sure to head out to the Golden 1 Center if you are able.  It makes for a fun Friday night.  If you are stuck at home, please tune in from your favorite chair with your favorite beverage.  It should be a fun game and hopefully a Sacramento victory.

Be sure to check back to A Royal Pain for the game recap and everything you need to know about the Kings this season.  Thank you for reading.

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