NBA Gameday: Kings Close Homestand Against George, Pacers

SACRAMENTO -- The Sacramento Kings look to salvage the final game of their season-long seven game homestand Wednesday night when they host the Indiana Pacers at Golden 1 Center. The Kings are 1-5 over the six home games after dropping Sunday's battle with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sacramento has fallen behind by 14 points or more in each of their six home games, including a 17-point deficit against the Thunder. Coach Dave Joerger has gone with the same starting lineup four straight, featuring Darren Collison, Garrett Temple, Rudy Gay, Anthony Tolliver and DeMarcus Cousins. There is no word if he will stick with the same group against Indiana, but Ty Lawson is questionable with an ankle sprain and Omri Casspi is out with calf injury, leaving the Kings shorthanded.

The Pacers have won six of their last seven coming into Wednesday night. They are fresh off a 98-95 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Paul George led the way with 19 points and six assists while point guard Jeff Teague barely missed a triple-double, finishing the night with 16 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in the win.

OPENING LINE

Pacers by 1

MATCHUP TO WATCH

Rudy Gay vs. Paul George -- After missing 10-of-11 games with a hip injury, Gay has bounced back for Sacramento. The 30-year-old forward has posted 19.4 points, seven rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game in his last five contests since returning to action. George is a three-time All-Star that presents matchup issues for most teams. He's the engine that makes the Pacers go. If they can take away George, the Kings have a chance to pick up a big win before heading out for eight straight on the road.

WHERE THEY STAND

Kings: 16-24, third place in Pacific

Pacers: 21-19, second place in Central

INJURY REPORT

Kings: F Omri Casspi (left calf strain) out, PG Ty Lawson (left ankle sprain) out.

Pacers: PG Rodney Stuckey (hamstring) out.

SERIES HISTORY

The Kings swept the season series 2-0 last year and have a four-game win streak against the Pacers. Indiana holds a 44-39 lead over the Kings all-time and a 33-26 advantage during the Sacramento-era.

QUOTE

"He's very unique - a special talent in our league. A point center, being able to handle the ball, bring the ball up, shoot 3's. He's a load in the paint, in the pick-and-roll, he can do anything and everything on the court. It's a special cover, we'll be locked in, we'll mix up some things to guard him, but it's going to be a tough night for us." -Paul George on facing DeMarcus Cousins

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