NBA Gameday: Kings Need Cousins to Bounce Back Against Pistons

Which Kings team will show up Tuesday night when Sacramento hosts the Detroit Pistons at Golden 1 Center? Sacramento's season-long seven game homestand has not gone as planned. The Kings have dropped three straight, including a frustrating 117-106 stumble on Sunday to the Golden State Warriors after leading by as many as 16 during the night.

With four games left at home before heading out for eight straight on the road, the Kings need to find their sense of urgency against a tough Pistons team. Dave Joerger turned to yet another starting lineup against the Warriors, using veterans Garrett Temple and Anthony Tolliver to support his three mainstays - Darren Collison, Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins. Will he switch it up again or give this group some time to gel on the floor.

Detroit is fresh off a big double-overtime win over the Portland Trail Blazers Sunday evening and have won 3-of-4 coming into Sacramento. They are still adjusting to life with leading scorer Reggie Jackson, who missed the first 21 games of the season due to injury. Coach Stan Van Gundy hangs his hat on defense, but this team has plenty of scorers as well.

LINE

Kings by 2

WHERE THEY STAND

Kings: 15-22, third place in Pacific

Pistons: 18-21, last place in Central

MATCHUP TO WATCH

DeMarcus Cousins vs. Andre Drummond -- Drummond is quietly becoming DeAndre Jordan of the East with a little bit more offense. The 7-footer out of UConn can really hit the glass and you have to keep a body on him in the pick-and-roll or he'll put you on a poster. Cousins has struggled over his last three games, averaging 18.3 points and nine rebounds. The Kings needs their star center to come up big if they hope to snap the skid.

INJURY REPORT

Kings: No injuries to report.

Pistons: PF Jon Leuer (knee) questionable, SG Reggie Bullock (knee) out, SG Michael Gbinije (forearm) questionable.

SERIES HISTORY

The two teams split the season series 1-1 last year, with each club winning at home. Detroit holds a 133-117 lead over the Kings all-time and a 36-24 advantage during the Sacramento-era.

QUOTABLE

"I think we did everything right in the beginning. As usual, we always have that one quarter or that one little stretch where we have bad basketball. It kind of comes back to bite us in the end." -Cousins on the loss to the Warriors

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