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There has been a lot of speculation as to what changes the Sacramento Kings will make to their starting lineup after Coach Michael Malone's comments Saturday. We'll know the answer in a couple hours, but the rumor going around is that rookie Ben McLemore and Jason Thompson are the guys coming in to face the Brooklyn Nets.
Unless there was a change today, I’m hearing that Ben McLemore will join Jason Thompson as new starters tonight vs. BKY
— Aaron Bruski (@aaronbruski) November 14, 2013
RUMORED starting lineup for the Kings tonight: Vasquez, McLemore, Salmons, Thompson, Cousins. NOT CONFIRMED.
— James Ham (@James_Ham) November 14, 2013
Ben McLemore has been one of the best shooters on the roster, hitting 41.7% of his three pointers, compared to just 27.6% for Marcus Thornton. Despite playing just 19.7 minutes a game off the bench, he's also Sacramento's 4th leading scorer at 8.8 PPG. Thornton was at 8.7 PPG in 28.3 MPG.
Thompson hasn't exactly shone offensively, but he's a better rebounder and passer than Patrick Patterson, who is struggling from the floor shooting just 36.6% on the year.
If this new starting lineup comes to fruition, John Salmons is the most notable incumbent, as he has struggled more than both Patterson or Thornton, shooting just 26.8% from the field. Sacramento's other options at the position are Travis Outlaw or Luc Mbah a Moute.
UPDATE 6:00 P.M.
McLemore is definitely starting.
"I'm very excited to say I'm starting and just happy." -Ben McLemore on his first NBA start tonight
— James Ham (@James_Ham) November 14, 2013