Kings vs. Heat preview: A sweep of Florida is in play

It’s been a successful Florida swing so far, and the Kings can complete the trifecta with a win over the Miami Heat tonight.

Sacramento has figured out different ways to win throughout this current three-game winning streak, shutting down the Magic and Knicks on the offensive end before simply outscoring the Raptors. The Heat are statistically one of the worst teams in the league, but they finally have a reasonable roster in place for the first time in a few weeks.

Bam Adebayo is the engine that makes this offense run. Playing him one-on-one is key so that he can’t use his playmaking to spring Miami’s shooters open. Even with a depleted roster, the two-man game between Adebayo and Duncan Robinson was still productive, so staying glued to Robinson off of screens and handoffs will be important for the Sacramento defense.

The Kings will likely have an advantage on the boards. Kelly Olynyk and Adebayo aren’t great rebounders, while Marvin Bagley III and Richaun Holmes like to crash the glass, specifically on the offensive end. The Heat don’t allow a ton of points in the paint, but the Kings should be able to overwhelm them with their physicality.

Even though Sacramento is the team on the second night of a back-to-back, the rest advantage still might favor the Kings. Many of the Miami players are still working their way back into shape after extended injury/health and safety absences. If the Kings can put their foot on the gas early, it could be a long night for the Heat.

Game Information

Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida

When: Saturday, Jan. 30 at 5 p.m. PT

How to watch/listen: NBC Sports California, KHTK Sports 1140 AM

Opposing perspective: Hot Hot Hoops

Projected Starting Lineups:

Kings (8-10): De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes, Marvin Bagley III, Richaun Holmes

Heat (6-12): Kendrick Nunn, Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, Kelly Olynyk

Injuries/Absences

Kings: Nemanja Bjelica (back spasms) — DOUBTFUL; DaQuan Jeffries (ankle) — OUT

Heat: Goran Dragic (left groin), Moe Harkless (left thigh), Meyers Leonard (left shoulder), Chris Silva (left hip flexor) — OUT

What are you hoping to see from the Kings tonight?