The Sacramento Kings embark on a six-game road trip, beginning this morning with a visit to the Toronto Raptors. Tyreke Evans is doubtful for the game according to a report from The Bee's Jason Jones, with the star guard having turned an ankle early in Thursday's win over the Denver Nuggets. Kings vs. Raptors tips off at 10 AM Pacific on Sunday; your full preview can be found after the jump.
STARTING LINEUPS & INJURIES
If Tyreke Evans sits out, Jones reports that Jermaine Taylor will get the start. Beno Udrih, Francisco Garcia, Jason Thompson and DeMarcus Cousins will be the other four starters. All other Kings should be available.
SCOUTING REPORT
Please check out HighTops' scouting report. A++.
MATCHUP OF THE GAME
DeMarcus Cousins vs. Andrea Bargnani. Il Mago is among the best 7-foot shooters in league history, and his perimeter game will test Cousins' commitment to staying out on shooters. Bargnani can also do a bit off the bounce, which is catnip for defensive fouls, which would be a problem (especially if Evans sits). On the other end, Toronto will either be forced to guard Cousins with someone else (Amir Johnson?), or bring help regularly if Cousins plays up to his recent standard in the paint.
PLAYER TO WATCH
If Taylor does start, I'm interested to see how Beno responds. Taylor's a solid player from what we've seen, but Udrih's scoring will be much relied upon ... unless El Flaco has another random 20-point night. Omri Casspi off the bench could be a nice jolt, too.
BEER PAIRING OF CHOICE
It's 10 AM! Savages. (Blue Moon. Or the blood of Christ, for you Catholics spending the first half at Mass.)
DETAILS
10 AM start. ! Who allows this? Recall Commissioner Stern!
One little game thread today at 10 AM. Let's go Kings.