The Sacramento Kings hit the Big Apple Sunday evening in hopes of snapping their two-game losing streak. Standing in there way is a rebuilt and reinvigorated New York Knicks team.
DeMarcus Cousins had his four-game streak of games with 30 or more points snapped Friday night. He finished the game with 28, but he missed a two-minute stretch in the mid-fourth quarter with a cut next to his right eye that required eight stitches after the loss to the Celtics.
New York is coming off back-to-back wins over the Minnesota Timberwolves and they are 7-3 over their last 10. Carmelo Anthony leads the way, averaging 22.6 points per game, but second-year big Kristaps Porzingis and veteran Derrick Rose are both posting big numbers under head coach Jeff Hornacek.
OPENING LINE:
Knicks by 2
MATCHUP TO WATCH:
Rudy Gay vs. Carmelo Anthony -- These two grew up in the same area of Maryland and know each other very well. After a quick start to the season, Gay’s numbers have dropped over Sacramento’s last eight games. He comes in averaging 19.2 points and 6.4 rebounds in 34.7 minutes per game. Anthony hasn’t showed any signs of slowing in year 14. The 11-time All-Star is a tough cover and Gay will have his hands full.
WHERE THEY STAND:
Kings: 7-12, fourth place in Pacific
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Knicks: 10-9, third place in Atlantic
INJURY REPORT:
Kings: No injuries to report.
Knicks: C Joakim Noah (ankle) questionable, Courtney Lee (ankle) questionable.
SERIES HISTORY:
Sacramento swept the Knicks last year 2-0 in the season series. The Kings hold a 153-142 advantage over the Knicks all-time, but New York leads 33-29 during the Sacramento-era.
QUOTE:
“If we don’t figure this thing out, we’re going to continue to have these types of games and just another losing season.” -DeMarcus Cousins following the Kings loss in Boston on Friday night
