Tyreke Evans, Kings Look to Make It Two in a Row in Detroit

by Tom Ziller on Jan 15, 2011 9:43 AM PST in Commentary

The Sacramento Kings seek retribution against the Detroit Pistons, who beat them at ARCO Arena back in November. That loss, on Nov. 14, had been the Kings' fifth straight after a 3-1 start for Sacramento; it showed just how far the team had to go, and dropped the Kings to a bad 1-5 at home. Sacramento still hasn't really recovered its home court advantage, as the Kings are just 6-15 at ARCO this season. Perhaps they will fare better at Power Balance Pavilion.

But never mind all that: this game is at the Palace of Auburn Hills, the fifth of a six-game road journey for the Kings. Sacramento earned its first victory of the trip Friday against the Knicks, with the Kings defense holding New York's otherwise awesome offense to a meager 83 points and 31 percent shooting. That came after games in which the Kings had given up 118, 136 and 119 points. Which Kings will show up in Detroit?

STARTING LINEUPS & INJURIES

Tyreke Evans returned on Friday, and there's no denying that he greatly helped the Kings' defense. Despite his rough offense all season, his defense has excelled, and it showed in both his on-ball defense and rotations against New York. Of course, 'Reke had nothing to do with Amar'e Stoudemire's poor shooting night, but Raymond Felton had a tough time scoring on Evans when the pair matched up. (This is say nothing of the suddenly rare minutes for Samuel Dalembert, who was a master on Friday.) Evans will back in the starting five against the Pistons, with Beno Udrih, Francisco Garcia, Jason Thompson and DeMarcus Cousins.

The Pistons' rotation is a mess, not unlike that of the Kings a month ago. Detroit came in late from a win in Toronto; on Friday, the Pistons started Rodney Stuckey and Tracy McGrady in the backcourt, with Tayshaun Prince, Chris Wilcox and Greg Monroe up front. Rip Hamilton is no longer playing (downgraded from "not playing much") and Ben Wallace missed Friday's game. Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon are the stars off the bench, with Austin Daye and Will Bynum providing auxiliary support.

SCOUTING REPORT

Please check out HighTops' scouting report, if you have not already done so.

MATCHUP OF THE GAME

Cousins vs. Monroe. Neither rookie played particularly well in the first pairing. Monroe has begun producing of late; Cousins had that great run before the road trip sucked all the efficiency out of him. The Pistons are coffee filter thin up front and need Monroe out of foul trouble and producing, especially if defender/rebounder Wallace doesn't play.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Evans' offense looked the bad version in New York. While the Kings will certainly take his presence (defensive and otherwise), they could use more scoring and playmaking in the quest for another win. Watch his explosion off the bounce and his confidence in the open court.

DETAILS

4:30 PM Pacific tip. Game threads at 4:30 and 6. The Kings! The Pistons! Love it (on TV)!

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Comments

This got me thinking

Perhaps they will fare better at Power Balance Pavilion.

Who would really be surprised if many of the people in Sacramento see that we now have the “Power Balance Pavilion” and are upset that their tax dollars are being used not only to have built a new arena, but to change the name too?

Keep Jason Thompson out of the damn fruit salad!

by prowseinthehouse on Jan 15, 2011 9:55 AM PST reply actions

Oh and GO.. I mean STAY KINGS!!

Lets pull of another big win to add to our amazing winning streak!

Keep Jason Thompson out of the damn fruit salad!

by prowseinthehouse on Jan 15, 2011 9:58 AM PST up reply actions

We should call it the Power Balance Palace

That way when people walk in they realize how contradictory the name is which even further highlights that we need a new building.

by jveezy on Jan 15, 2011 11:45 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs

I smell a two game win steak!

Lets go Kings!

by maloof-fool-am on Jan 15, 2011 10:19 AM PST reply actions

I like our odds here

The Carmello situation is hanging over this team too, as they’ve been mentioned as a 3rd team in the deal. Our last two wins are against Denver and New York, who are also involved.

by Deleran on Jan 15, 2011 11:38 AM PST reply actions

Holy crap anyone notice the minutes Monroe is getting

no wonder he is putting up double doubles.

Live every week like it's Shark Week.

by wallywagon11 on Jan 15, 2011 11:48 AM PST reply actions

The Kings are +5

had to take that all day long. Nice little parlay with some NFL action today as well.
Duke isn’t looking to good this morning on this ESPN game…..

Anyways, I just read a few articles discussing GERALD WALLACE and how the BOBCATS have been shopping him……..WHAT!!!

Is anyone else with me here, GERALD WALLACE would be a perfect fit and answer at the SF position on the SACRAMENTO KINGS.

I’d be willing to give the Bobcats just about any package of players and draft picks they would be asking for (save Tyreke, DeMarcus, and this years 1st Round pick).

My mannerism a prism/ And it should shine
Light it if you would/ Be so kind, right now'd
Be A' Good Time

by DaRubiesSLOKingsA's on Jan 15, 2011 12:26 PM PST reply actions

You must really love G-Dub

Do you care that he can’t really score in anyway except for dunking? Plus he is fairly injury prone.

Keep Jason Thompson out of the damn fruit salad!

by prowseinthehouse on Jan 15, 2011 12:50 PM PST up reply actions

well the guys does get to the FT pretty well.

But i’m all for keeping Omri. His shooting touch and (potential) leadership values make him a great match with Reke, DMC, and _____________ (2011 pick).

" 1 + 1 = 3 " - David Kahn

by Shizzo on Jan 15, 2011 4:01 PM PST up reply actions

I got alotta love of G-Dub

I think his DEFENSE and energy would instantly make us a better team…Not to mention his athleticism on the fast break with Tyreke, YIKES!

Yes, his offensive game is very LIMITED (very), but he is so valuable in other ways. I’d go as far as saying — when healthy – he is a Top 10 SF in the game.

My mannerism a prism/ And it should shine
Light it if you would/ Be so kind, right now'd
Be A' Good Time

by DaRubiesSLOKingsA's on Jan 15, 2011 12:56 PM PST reply actions

Please,

stop the thread jacking. You’re talking about Wallace in at least two other threads. If you wish to discuss Wallace, there is a thread for that here. Thanks.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Jan 15, 2011 1:05 PM PST up reply actions

Friendly advice.

Use the reply button instead of just posting a new comment when you’re actually having a conversation. ;)

In these times, you have to be an optimist to open your eyes when you awake in the morning.
~Carl Sandburg

by PurpleLoco on Jan 15, 2011 1:05 PM PST up reply actions

Thanks PurpleLoco...Section214

still getting used to the system. I’ll get it down quickly, I’m a smart kid.

Section214, I’ll keep that in mind. However, I’ll try to keep out of mind internet vernacular such as “thread jacking” and any future reference to such internet tongue. Almost offended by it, but I read somewhere you are a site monitor or something of that nature, so I guess you are allowed to speak to people that way. Your advice is heard, though, and I won’t “thread jack” again.

My mannerism a prism/ And it should shine
Light it if you would/ Be so kind, right now'd
Be A' Good Time

by DaRubiesSLOKingsA's on Jan 15, 2011 1:11 PM PST up reply actions

I also said "please" and "thank you"

If you have a suggestion for a kinder, gentler word for “thread jack,” please get it to me and I will take it under advisement.

And now, back to the pregame thread.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Jan 15, 2011 1:14 PM PST up reply actions

haha I know I didn't think it was rude at all

just not used to slang like “thread jacking” yet! I
Although, I guess that is exactly what I was doing, so, it was very fitting!
Back to the thread, and again, sorry!
GO KINGS. 2 in a row!

My mannerism a prism/ And it should shine
Light it if you would/ Be so kind, right now'd
Be A' Good Time

by DaRubiesSLOKingsA's on Jan 15, 2011 1:17 PM PST up reply actions

Landry and Casspi need to start.

Thompson’s just not consistent and cannot score around the basket. Garcia is undersized and while he shoots well, Casspi shoots just as well or better and provides better size, athleticism and rebounding. These two shouldn’t even be a question to start, especially with this roster.

by mavisdory on Jan 15, 2011 2:06 PM PST reply actions

I'd like to see Casspi start,

but they seem bent on this bench sparkplug thing. Regarding Thompson/Landry, I’m not so sure. Landry’s PER 36 is 16.4 pts. and 6.5 boards, while JT comes in at 14.0/10.4. Simply, Landry is a pretty big rebounding liability, and probably the worst defender on the front line. Ultimately, neither one of them is really starter material, unless you could put Landry next to someone like Dwight Howard of Joakim Noah.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Jan 15, 2011 2:11 PM PST up reply actions

Meh.

I’m with Westie on this one. Omri’s performed better off the bench, and he seems very comfortable with his role. I’d hate to screw with his mind by throwing him into the starting lineup after he’s settled into his role as a 6th man.

Carl, however, seemed like he performed much better as a starter than as a bench player, even if his rebounding still sucked.

In these times, you have to be an optimist to open your eyes when you awake in the morning.
~Carl Sandburg

by PurpleLoco on Jan 15, 2011 2:26 PM PST up reply actions

I think it's all about Casspi's defense

If I’m not mistaken he’s lost his man a couple of time on this road trip and ended up with his man going backdoor for a easy basket. Also, B-Ref rates the Pers of opposing players when a given player is on the court. Garcia’s man at the SF has a rating of 11 and Omri’s has a rating of 20. Granted there’s no way of knowing what these players Pers are normally so it’s possible that Omri just went up against the tougher players. But, on average it looks like Garcia is the better defender.

If we only had a 3-man rotation at the center-PF spots, I’d agree that JT would be the odd man out. But, playing along side Cousins who’s our main offensive weapon down low when he’s on the floor, JT is the correct starter. Landry is far more consistent offensively, so he’s a safer beat to come off the bench if the game starts to get away from us, when JT and Cousins can’t get the job done. And, the only bigs the match up well with Sammy are Carl and DMC.

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy

by HighTops on Jan 15, 2011 3:18 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs

Great take

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Jan 15, 2011 3:23 PM PST up reply actions

Totally agree about Omri's defense.

I was at the nuggets game the other night and when Cisco had to go out in the third for foul trouble. Thats when Omri came in , and Mello got hot and closed the scoring gap. Omri looked a little flat , and on several occasions didnt even get his hand in Mellos face to contest his shot .

by 9K1NGS6 on Jan 15, 2011 4:27 PM PST up reply actions