Preview: Kings at Wolves
by Ziller on Dec 18, 2009 12:00 PM PST
88 comments
THE OPPONENT
Remember the Timberwolves, who last Saturday fell in defeat at the boots of the Kings at ARCO. The Wolves have four victories, including one this week against Utah. Minnesota's four wins (in 26 games, whoo) have come against the Nets, the Nuggets and the Jazz twice. The Wolves have the worst point differential in the league, have the third worst shooting clip in the league, the second worst offense overall and the 24th ranked defense. The Wolves suck.
THE KEY BATTLE
Al Jefferson and Kevin Love vs. Jason Thompson and ... Andres Nocioni? No word as of press time on whether Spencer Hawes will get his starting position back. Facing a Scantron and No. 2 pencil, I would scribble the 'B' bubble, assuming 'B' is associated with 'no.' Hawes had a solid spell in relief on Wednesday, but Spencer's bad outing against Minnesota on Saturday was surely part of the eventual post-Blazers benching.
(And please do not believe Paul Westphal's spin regarding the Wizards match-up. It's been discussed insightfully by others here on StR, but seriously. He got benched. He got benched.)
There are pros and cons, to me, in benching Hawes against teams like the Wolves. First of all, one of the few strengths of Minnesota is its offensive rebounding, between Jefferson and Love. We saw Jefferson own the offensive glass early in Saturday's game. He ended up with five offensive caroms, and Love had four. Benching Hawes, no matter how disappointing he has been on the boards this season, doesn't help when Omri Casspi is the replacement. Omri is a great rebounder at his position ... which is not power forward or center. We saw Nocioni play power forward in Hawes's stead Wednesday; if Hawes sits for Omri, that'd be the case again, with Thompson marking Jefferson (and risking foul trouble) and Noc handling Love. But Noc isn't a PF-level defensive rebounder, either. You open yourself up for exploitation on the offensive glass, something we saw executed perfectly early on by Washington.
Of course, adding Omri to the Evans-Greene-Nocioni-Thompson group makes the offense wail. Casspi is a perfect match for Evans and Thompson, just perfect. So what do you do? If it were my choice, I'd either start Hawes and keep all five Kings back to help rebound (you can score on Minnesota in the halfcourt) or I'd start Kenny Thomas and Omri (the latter in place of Noc), match K-9 up against Jefferson, let Thompson take Love ... and sub in Hawes the second Jefferson sits (or as soon as Thompson picks up his second foul, whichever happens first). Ryan Hollins is a good offensive rebounder, but less of a threat to do anything with the ball and an absolute sieve on the other end.
I have a feeling we'll get Omri in the starting five with Nocioni, which means we'll get a shoot-out, which is probably best for all viewers.
BOLD PROCLAMATION
Reggie Theus will arrange for Sam Amick to be forced to sit next to Minnesota's most slovenly, smelly man.
NUMERIC PREDICTION
Kings by 6.
DETAILS
5 PM tip-off. Comcast SportsNet and KHTK 1140 AM. Just one game thread tonight, plus the post-gamer (7:45) and the recap (eventually).
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Johnny Flynn is probably pooping his pants right now
I know I wouldn’t wanna guard Reke.
In Frank Wren I trust.
you mean mini-Lebron?
"Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive." Proverbs 17:28
Amick's Twitter:
“Being told Spencer Hawes won’t be starting tonight at Minnesota. I’m assuming it will be Omri Casspi, but will ask Westphal at shootaround.”about 3 hours ago from Twitterrific
"Sometimes the capriciousness of youth anesthetizes common sense." -Let Geoff's words guide our patience this season.
by AnotherStupidSN on Dec 18, 2009 12:14 PM PST reply actions
Spencer
He might be a good fit on our bench unit. Sergio might do a better job of getting him the ball in places where he can score.
"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."
by coolcatreportdotcom on Dec 18, 2009 1:01 PM PST up reply actions
Good news.
Spencer got abused, then benched, last weekend in Sacramento.
If Flynn is pooping his pants.....
Then Jennings has nastiness coming out of all of his orifices in anticipation for tomorrow’s game…hehe!
indeed
its kind of a bummer we have to play Milwaukee tomorrow and not Sunday. It would let Reke get all his rest to show BJennings who the real rookie of the year is.
In Frank Wren I trust.
MIL plays tonight in CLE though
"Sometimes the capriciousness of youth anesthetizes common sense." -Let Geoff's words guide our patience this season.
by AnotherStupidSN on Dec 18, 2009 12:30 PM PST up reply actions
That should be a great game.
If Jennings manages to slip and slide through the Cav’s slow but giant trees and actually score, I’ll be very impressed. Setting my DVR now…
33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.
I'll save my 'Reke vs. Jennings comments for tomorrows preview thread.
I agree with both you, but I think Flynn is going to be a handful tonight. He has tons to prove.
Bring on pick #6!!!
33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.
I like paring Casspi with K-9 and JT
K-9 is no offensive threat whatsoever, but between Casspi, JT, Evans, and Greene/Beno, we have plenty of fire power. I predict that we take a lead in the third, lose it in the fourth, and pull ahead for good with two minutes to go. I also predict that whether he starts or not, Hawes will end up with a double-double. The boy is good when he is angry.
""Balance your right to dissent, with your responsibility to contribute."
Gordan Ryan
Ahhh Very Very nice.
I would love to see the pants black or grey just for contrast’s sake. Or white to make the Hawes Hulk fashion forward. heh.
33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.
the Hulk is the Tyreke Evans of Comic Book characters
by betweentheeyes on Dec 18, 2009 1:16 PM PST up reply actions
The Thing
Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott
by Kfan in Korea on Dec 18, 2009 1:50 PM PST up reply actions
Doc (Br) Ock?
StR Token Female
by LeaguePassAddict on Dec 18, 2009 2:27 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I hope you don't mind, but I kind of took your idea and ran with it...
"Thou must give props" - Ice_9ine
by tomroadrunner on Dec 18, 2009 4:41 PM PST up reply actions
This is probably going to be closer than we all think.
I think Hawes will see tons of more playing time tonight and be effective.
I want to see Brocktimus Prime vs. Love part deux in a Hell in the Cell match.
I’ll be wet with happiness every time ’Reke posts up Flynn.
Corey Brewer better not imagine Derek Fisher’s face on any of our Kings.
Go Kings!
33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.
Bold Prediction
Kings win, but by less points than the number of times I hear someone say “See you next year!” today.
(My office is closed for two weeks after today)
"Sometimes the capriciousness of youth anesthetizes common sense." -Let Geoff's words guide our patience this season.
by AnotherStupidSN on Dec 18, 2009 12:36 PM PST reply actions
Bold prediction
Overnight lows in the Twins Cities area in the low teens with freezing drizzle.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
by section214 on Dec 18, 2009 12:38 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
This is the type...
of quality, insightful editorializing we’ve come to expect from you!
Section214 is my hero. Good shakes!
probably the only prediction posted in this thread that will actually come true
Freezing drizzle? Give me the Central Valley summers any day. As they say: "9 months of winter……..3 months of bad sledding’.
"I make love to pressure" - Stephen Jackson
This is a trap game
No road game is a gimmie at this point. After handling this team easily at home, it’s a prime candidate for a “show up with just a little less intensity than usual because we’ve got this” game.
Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott
Your probably right about the "less intensity" part
and we all know Minny will be up for tonights game because of the fRekeing spankin give last time by the Kings
"Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive." Proverbs 17:28
Absolutely.
Don’t underestimate how hard road wins are to come by. At this point, we’re a 1-10 road team facing a 2-11 home team. This is as easy a road game as we’ll have, but it’s still an uphill battle, and I’ll still be ecstatic if we can come out on tom.
Stay off of me!!!
"Thou must give props" - Ice_9ine
by tomroadrunner on Dec 18, 2009 2:15 PM PST up reply actions
Stage 2 game
2. Beat bad teams on the road.
"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."
by coolcatreportdotcom on Dec 18, 2009 1:04 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I like it
3. would be beat good teams at home and 4. beat good teams on the road
Godfather of the "nice ass" movement.... the future begins now...
by edm7 on Dec 18, 2009 1:06 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm really liking this! We should totally make this a running thing in the previews!
"Thou must give props" - Ice_9ine
by tomroadrunner on Dec 18, 2009 2:22 PM PST up reply actions
Bedge has a complicated rating system
for level of difficulty.
I could live without it but look there if you’d like to start something.
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Dec 18, 2009 2:40 PM PST up reply actions
No road game is
A ‘Trap game’ for these guys at 1-10
Or shouldn’t be. It should be an opportunity.
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Dec 18, 2009 2:39 PM PST up reply actions
does anybody know how Brockman played against Love in college?
I think it might be a rare opportunity for him to start.
Another flaw in the human character is that everybody wants to build and nobody wants to do maintenance. Vonnegut
by Ice_9ine on Dec 18, 2009 12:59 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Kevin Love was 6'11'
before he met Jon Brockman.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
by section214 on Dec 18, 2009 1:01 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I was thinking the same thing
Let Brockness start and beat them up in the middle. After that, Bring Hawes in for the finness.
"Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive." Proverbs 17:28
Wait....this isn't boxing? Dang
"Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive." Proverbs 17:28
Brockman was Love's toughest opponent, as I remember it.
Love relies on being able to muscle his way to the glass on both ends, and against Brockman he was the one getting pushed around in college. Love may be in better shape now (it was freshman v junior then), but I think Brockman is a tough matchup for him.
Agreed to a point.
They kind of abused each other in college but I recall Love still getting his points and the team “W”.
I really look forward to see this. I still think Brocktimus is arguably the better rebounder and will be able to push Love out of his comfort area.
Nothing like the Pac 10 glory days. Heh. Go Kings.
33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.
The only problem is
Love will take him outside, where he has a nice repertoire of shots. The plus is that takes Love away from the basket so he’s not getting offensive boards.
"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."
by coolcatreportdotcom on Dec 18, 2009 1:22 PM PST up reply actions
He only takes one or two threes a game
He’ll take three if he makes the first two, which isn’t often. If K-Love is forced to step outside and face the basket for his points that’s even better for the Kings as you said.
I think Brocktimus rattled Love the last time and affected his shooting. I’m hoping for similar results tonight.
33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.
Love made a couple of nice outside shots
off Brockman last time. Overall, Brockman was a +2 in 19 minutes in a game we won by 20.
Here’s the box score from the previous hame against Minnesota.
"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."
by coolcatreportdotcom on Dec 18, 2009 2:51 PM PST up reply actions
Congrats, I think you have become the STR "shooper".
Rec’d.
"Thou must give props" - Ice_9ine
by tomroadrunner on Dec 18, 2009 4:45 PM PST up reply actions
First of 3 road victories in a row.
A few things have changed in the 6 days since the Kings last played the Twolfs. And, all of them are bad from the vantage point of can the Kings win in Minny.
First, the Twolfs have doubled their win total with their 2nd wins in Dec. against Utah. Due mostly to the fact that Kevin Love is back to his old self, and seems to have gotten into game shape. Since Love has returned to the starting line up, his minutes have increased to almost 34 per game. He’s shooting 45% Field and 57% from 3’s. He’s averaging 13.8ppg and 12rpg, and he’s making the entire team better. Team scoring is up 5.7ppg & rebounding 5.6rpg.
One thing that hasn’t changed is defense. Minny is 25th in FG% & Rebounds allowed, and they are 30th in Steals & Assists allowed. They’re shooting their 3’s better, but only shoot about 12 a game. If you can defend Love & Gomes at the 3-point line, the long ball shouldn’t be a factor. Although Flynn had a outstanding game against Utah, he’s unlikely to repeat with Tyreke covering him.
The bad news concerning the Kings, is that after improving their 4th quarter scoring over the first half of the season, they got outscored in the 4th quarter in the last 2 games by 20pts and outscored in the 3rd quarter by 6 pts. So, we’re back to not finishing games, and the games we win, we barely hold on to our lead in the 4th. If not for the outstanding individual defensive of Tyreke, we might have lost the Washington game.
Minny’s feeble 2 & 11 record at home almost looks good compared to our equally feeble 1 & 10 record on the road. The Kings are 0 & 6 when they score less than 100 pts, and they only average 98.8 on the road. In November the Kings when 8-5 for a 62% winning percentage, but so far they’re 3 & 5 in December for a 38% winning percentage. FG% in December is the same as November, but 3pt shooting & rebounding are down.
Winning this game is going to be tougher than the previous 20-point blow out. If the Kings can compete on the board, especially the offensive boards, and Beno, Omri, & Noc can revive their 3pt shooting strokes, the Kings might be able to sweep this road trip. The Kings should win but they need to win the 4th quarter, otherwise it’s a 50/50 shot.
The Twolfs are drawing around 12,000 fans at home. And, the Kings should still be on a high after the Washington win. I’m picking the Kings to win by 8 (104 – 96). Go Kings.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
by HighTops on Dec 18, 2009 1:01 PM PST reply actions 4 recs
As usual good anaysis, Coach Tops.
Thanks for taking the time to write this.
I’d love for Hawes and JT to have good games in the same night. Since neither Love or Jefferson are super athletic, I’m looking forward to seeing Hawes and Brocktimus get their playing time. However, I’m hoping JT and Kenny Thomas share duties guarding Jefferson due to his superior footwork.
Go Kings.
33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.
Playing Brockman or Thomas shouldn't give the Twolfs a big offensive advantage
Love is more of a Jumpshooter than a back to the basket type player. He averages 4 offensive rebounds a game and only scores about 5 point in the paint. Even tho he is a double double guy, he’s only scoring 13.8ppg.
I think we’d be alright with Thomas & JT starting or JT & Donte. Thomas should be able to rebound with Jefferson, though I doubt that we have anyone who can defend him. And, Donte is big enough and quick enough to defend Love.
Jefferson & Gomes are the real offensive threats. It’s going to come down to how well we defend Gomes and how well the bench plays.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
agree, another nice supplement to the Ziller pre-game by HT, rec'd (to both)
dismal team, home and away, hosting the dismal road team. The ESPN Accuscore has the TWolves winning this by one tenth of a point (102.8 to the Kings 102.7). If the Kings score over one hundred however…
I have to believe that the team is still in energy positive mode following Wednesday’s $1 Beer Night National TV victory over the Wizards. I don’t think over confident will be allowed by Coach Paul.
Tyreke will be his usual self but I expect the assault done to the point guard tandem of Flynn and Sessions to be less aggravated. On the flip side (it is Minny, hat tip to Flip), I don’t expect Big Al and KLove to dominate as much as they did.
The contest at ARCO was a teeter-tooter of frontcourt v backcourt dominance – I expect adjustments to minimize this allowing the SF spot to be a chance for the Kings to shine, particularly with Gomes out (sprained wheel against the Kings). It is a great opportunity for the NoDoOm squad to produce (Noce, Donté, Omri).
As for starters – I think PW is enjoying giving the young’uns a chance to shine and that means to start. Donté then Omri – maybe it’s Hoss Brockman’s turn, with a quick sub in for Kenny Thomas who has been superb as the off the bench rebound/defender guy.
Bold Prediction: Rambis gets a technical complaining about Evans getting a favorable call (Evans is getting noticed, even by refs), JT fouls out. Kings by 3.
by betweentheeyes on Dec 18, 2009 1:41 PM PST up reply actions
Ryan Gomes is now out
He was playing great for them, but we always play terrible in Miami and Minnesota….wonder why that is….?
Win-win on many fronts
Starting K9 makes sense as he was very effective in the last match up, it showcases his defensive abilities as trade bait, and is likely the only way we can match up defensively…
And it ain’t like Hawes is playing so well offensively that you can ignore his defensive liability, but then again if K9 then why not his Brockness?
Nice to see that we have options anyway.
K9 has been a nice surprise
Everyone had pretty much written him off but he has done well this year. May has been a disaster and Hawes is having a rough year so it makes it nice to have him. He has been a real pro this year and is a nie option to have in there.
Brockness is nice to be able to throw in to knock people around and be happy to do his job.
Hawes was +15 in the first game
So maybe he gets some burn off the bench and makes the most of it.
"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."
by coolcatreportdotcom on Dec 18, 2009 2:54 PM PST up reply actions
Bold Prediction
TWolves fans decide at half time that they’d rather finish their holiday shopping than watch their team get abused for another 24 minutes, leaving only two fat, bald guys in too-tight Garnett jerseys swigging beer in the upper deck who occasionally muster the energy to boo when we make it to the free-throw line.
StR Token Female
by LeaguePassAddict on Dec 18, 2009 2:42 PM PST reply actions
I wasn't counting you.
You wouldn’t boo if we made it to the free-throw line. And you would sneak your way down to the lower seats after the first five minutes of play.
StR Token Female
by LeaguePassAddict on Dec 18, 2009 4:59 PM PST up reply actions
Turn on ESPN and watch PTI
I see TYREKE on their list of topics and I’m thinking its gonna be our guy!
They're gonna do the odds on Tyreke Evans winning ROY
Before the break, Kornheiser said “It would be nice if he played in the East. That way we wouldnt have to stay up so late to see him.”
Yeah watched the PTI piece.
Glad to see the media has really noticed Tyreke.
Brockman
According to A
mick, Brockman is likely out with back spasms.
"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."
by coolcatreportdotcom on Dec 18, 2009 3:18 PM PST reply actions
Let's try again
Link to Amick.
"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."
by coolcatreportdotcom on Dec 18, 2009 3:19 PM PST up reply actions
I'm assuming the back spasms are from rescuing an orphanage from a herd of rabid Grizzly Bears
"Sometimes the capriciousness of youth anesthetizes common sense." -Let Geoff's words guide our patience this season.
by AnotherStupidSN on Dec 18, 2009 3:49 PM PST up reply actions
Really telling stuff from PW
Hate to see Brockman out, but it sounds like he really has his head on right about Donte’ and Spencer.
Who are you calling a Mick?
flagged for racial slur. ;p
Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott
by Kfan in Korea on Dec 18, 2009 4:55 PM PST up reply actions
Softness Monster
better bring Martin back
by want2win on Dec 18, 2009 3:52 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Bold Prediction:
Tryreke will have his first Triple Double
27 points
10 Rebounds
13 Assists
1 Steal
3 Blocks
3 Turnovers
Shooting 9-17 from 2, 1-2 from 3, 6-8 from free throw line
"Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive." Proverbs 17:28
Replace your assist number with your rebound number, and I think this could be very tangible!
"Thou must give props" - Ice_9ine
by tomroadrunner on Dec 18, 2009 4:47 PM PST up reply actions
I'd say
Tyreke’s first triple-double whether it be tonite or some other time would be more like 21pts, 10reb,& 10 ast. I’m not in the “Tyreke is not a point gaurd” club but he is no nash or cp3 yet. Now he might be when he can get 3-4 ast off KM alone
by allbenji's on Dec 18, 2009 4:28 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Dude.
Ziller: “If it were my choice, I’d either start Hawes and keep all five Kings back to help rebound (you can score on Minnesota in the halfcourt) or I’d start Kenny Thomas and Omri (the latter in place of Noc), match K-9 up against Jefferson, let Thompson take Love”
Amick: “Surprise starters for #nbakings – Kenny Thomas in place of Spencer Hawes, with Tyreke Evans, Donte’ Greene, Omri Casspi and Jason Thompson.”
Proof that Ziller is not actually Westphal is where??????
I've never seen them in a room at the same time
Makes you wonder?
"Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive." Proverbs 17:28
Either that or Coach Paul consults StR before making lineup decisions
Not recommended.
From the people who brought you Reggie Musselnatt.
by My Losing Season on Dec 18, 2009 4:50 PM PST up reply actions
Ziller is not Westphal
He would not have taken the pay cut.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
Yeah, Ziller is ballin' too hard to making just 6 figures...
"Thou must give props" - Ice_9ine
by tomroadrunner on Dec 18, 2009 4:56 PM PST up reply actions
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