Kings vs. Pacers Preview: Can Sacramento Steal Another One?

Just one week ago the Sacramento Kings faced the Indiana Pacers at home and came away with a one-point victory. Willie Cauley-Stein flushed home the game winning tip-dunk with 16 seconds left. And while he did everything he could to allow the Pacers a chance at a game winner of their own, Bojan Bogdanovic’s wide open jumper rimmed out. The Kings have rolled the Phoenix Suns and the Cleveland Cavaliers this week to put them on a three game win streak, but the Pacers want revenge and they’ll have a chance at it tonight on their home floor.

When: Saturday, December 8th; 4:00 pm PST

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse; Indianapolis, IN

TV: NBCSCA

Radio: KHTK Sports 1140 AM

What to Watch For

Last week, both teams were led in scoring by their respective Bogdanovic. Bojan had 27 while Bogdan went for 20. Both teams also shot well from beyond the arc, clearing the 40% mark. Two-way forward Troy Williams hit all three of his attempts from downtown, and matched his season high of 12 points.

The Kings may need another strong night from Williams as Iman Shumpert is listed as OUT for this matchup. Sacramento continues to be cautious with his workload in back-to-backs.

Pacers star Victor Oladipo is also listed as OUT for tonights contest, per Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee. Indy has struggled somewhat in his absence. They were 10-6 before his injury and have gone 5-4 since. Domantas Sabonis is looking like a game time decision.

Marvin Bagley III appears to back to full health after posting 17 points in 25 minutes last night against the Cavs. And while De’Aaron Fox hasn’t had any health issues, he certainly was slumping for a while. His 30 points and 12 assists in Cleveland last night prove that his cold spell is behind him. He had shot under 34% from the field across his 7 previous games.

Prediction

The Kings have a very real chance of making it four in a row tonight, especially if Sabonis can’t go. However, it is the second night of a back-to-back on the road. Sacramento is 2-3 on SEGABABAs. And while it is probably anomalous, the Pacers are a perfect 4-0 in theirs. Ultimately, I think these teams are too evenly matched to predict an early season sweep, so I’ll take the Pacers to get even tonight.

Pacers: 112, Kings: 109