Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Fast Forward: Kings must overcome split personality in Memphis
Share This Post
Comments
Thursday, November 13, 2014 - 9:30am
Follow @billherenda

Programming note: Kings-Grizzlies coverage starts today at 4:30 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet Plus with Kings Pregame Live (territorial restrictions apply) 

UPDATE (12 p.m. on Thursday) -- The Kings announced that point guard Darren Collison (left shoulder stiffness) has been upgraded to probable, which means he has 75 percent chance of playing.

***

Sacramento (5-3) takes on Memphis (7-1) in the finale of a four-game road trip after squandering a 24-point lead in Dallas on Tuesday and falling to the Mavericks, 106-98.

A split of the road trip is at stake, but Sacramento must conquer its split personality to get it done -- especially on defense.

Good D over Bad D: On this road trip, the Kings limited the Suns to 11 points in the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City to 15 in the third and Dallas to 14 in the first twelve minutes.

Conversely, Sacramento gave up 36 to the Suns in the first, 34 to the Thunder in the fourth quarter and a whopping 96 to the Mavs over the final three stanzas.

The Kings must find the resolve to avoid the latter (Bad D) and strive for the former (Good D).

Cousins on the floor: While the Kings won in double overtime in Phoenix on the first game of the road trip after Cousins fouled out in the last minute of regulation, the Kings cannot afford to be without their premier big man on the floor.

When the former Kentucky Wildcat exited the game after picking up his third foul with the Kings up by 21 points in the second quarter, Dallas responded with a 17-5 run which proved to be the turning point in Sacramento’s loss.

Cousins, who shot only 32.3 percent from the floor and averaged 15.5 points and 11 rebounds in two games versus Memphis last season (missing the final meeting due to an ankle sprain), must avoid careless fouls and remain on the floor for the Kings to thrive.

On the other side, the importance of Grizzlies’ center Marc Gasol should not be underestimated; since the Spaniard’s return from injury on Jan. 14, 2014, Memphis has won 74 percent of its games.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Darren Collison/Ramon Sessions vs. Mike Conley: Collison, (listed as questionable) and/or Sessions must contain Conley, the catalyst of the Memphis offense who is averaging 15.9 points and 5.6 assists per game.

DeMarcus Cousins vs. Marc Gasol: Cousins must avoid foul trouble and get back to the free throw line. It won’t be easy versus Gasol, the 2013 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Cousins has been to the line only seven times over the last two games after averaging 10.5 trips to the charity stripe over the first six games of the season.

Jason Thompson vs. Zach Randolph: Life is not easy for Thompson when your assignments include guarding the likes of Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki and now Zach Randolph who averages a double-double of 16.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.

KEYS TO VICTORY: 1. Under 100: The Kings held their first three opponents to less than 100 points. Since then, every team has put up triple digits on Sacramento. Memphis averages 94.8 points per game, ranking 24th in the NBA, and the Kings must keep them under 100.

2. Patience on offense: Facing the best defense in the league in the Grizzlies, who allow just 89.4 points per game, Sacramento must balance the paradox of being in attack mode but maintaining its poise.

3. Protect the rock: Avoiding a repeat performance of the Dallas debacle, which included 22 turnovers, and embracing coach Michael Malone’s goal of 13 or fewer turnovers per game will be paramount in Memphis.

INJURY UPDATE: Sacramento – G Darren Collison (left shoulder stiffness) is probable.
Dallas – G Nick Calathes (suspended list) is out.

[RELATED: Collison questionable for Grizzlies]

SERIES HISTORY: This is the first of four meetings this season between Sacramento and Memphis.

The Kings were 0-3 in 2013-14 against the Grizzlies and have lost seven consecutive games versus Memphis.

Sacramento leads the overall series 42-30.

 

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Highlights: CCSF defeats CSM 23-7
Highlights: Sharks fall 2-1 to Blue Jackets
Pavelski: 'We've got to find a way to win'
McLellan shares frustration in 'stringing games together'

Giants

Bochy, Giants give best Bumgarner impersonations
Diamondbacks acquire RHP Hellickson from Rays
Tigers tell Hunter they won't re-sign him
Pirates agree to terms with Burnett on one-year deal
Read More

Athletics

Mariners' Cano breaks toe, US All-Stars no-hit in Japan
Report: Cuban OF Tomas working out for Royals
Tigers announce four-year deal with DH Martinez
Tomas-to-A's seems far-fetched, but we know better
Read More

Sharks

Shot of the Game: Pavelski fires, closes gap against Jackets
Instant Replay: Sharks fall short, edged out 2-1 in Columbus
In the Crease: Sharks look to avenge last-minute loss to Jackets
NHL general managers to discuss 3-on-3 overtime
Read More

49ers

49ers place Ward on IR, activate Aldon Smith
49ers Mailbag: Examining Vernon Davis' disappearance
49ers DL Dial ready for possible starting role vs. Giants
49ers LB Borland named NFL Rookie of the Week
Read More

Raiders

Report: Eagles bring in Pryor for workout
Raiders-Chargers Matchup No. 1: Mack vs. Dunlap
Raiders rookies adjust to playing Chargers second time
OL Khalif Barnes agrees to one-year contract extension
Read More

Warriors

LIVE: Hornets vs. Warriors
LIVE: Hornets vs. Warriors
Fast Forward: High stakes vs. Hornets for Curry, Warriors
Bogut faces toughest test yet against Jefferson
Read More

NCAA

Stanford falls to No. 23 Utah in 2OT
San Jose State shut out by Hawaii 13-0
Wisconsin's Gordon breaks FBS single-game rushing record
What they're saying: Gordon breaks FBS single-game record
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Insider Andrew Baggarly
  • Amy G
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

Bochy, Giants give best Bumgarner impersonations
(8)
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Diamondbacks acquire RHP Hellickson from Rays
(3)
Tigers tell Hunter they won't re-sign him
(25)
See more >

More Stories

Pirates agree to terms with Burnett on one-year deal
(2)
Official: Filthy conditions at Kauffman during World Series
(3)
See more >

GIANTS VIDEO

YSTL: Daniel Bryan happy Pence stole 'Yes! Yes! Yes!' chant
YSTL: Daniel Bryan happy Pence stole 'Yes! Yes! Yes!' chant
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

Mariners' Cano breaks toe, US All-Stars no-hit in Japan
(1)
Associated Press

More Stories

Report: Cuban OF Tomas working out for Royals
(2)
Tigers announce four-year deal with DH Martinez
(1)
See more >

More Stories

Tomas-to-A's seems far-fetched, but we know better
(1)
Fosse remembers Dark as 'one of the best'
(1)
See more >

A's VIDEO

YSTL: What will A's do at shortstop if Lowrie leaves?
YSTL: What will A's do at shortstop if Lowrie leaves?
See more >

A's INSIDER

  • Tomas-to-A's seems far-fetched, but we know better
  • Fosse remembers Dark as 'one of the best'
  • With Robertson, A's future at SS still looks bright
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Shot of the Game: Pavelski fires, closes gap against Jackets
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Instant Replay: Sharks fall short, edged out 2-1 in Columbus
In the Crease: Sharks look to avenge last-minute loss to Jackets
(1)
See more >

More Stories

NHL general managers to discuss 3-on-3 overtime
(1)
Rewind: Sharks respond again from weak performance
(5)
See more >

SHARKS VIDEO

Highlights: Sharks fall 2-1 to Blue Jackets
Highlights: Sharks fall 2-1 to Blue Jackets
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

  • Instant Replay: Sharks fall short, edged out 2-1 in Columbus
  • In the Crease: Sharks look to avenge last-minute loss to Jackets
  • Rewind: Sharks respond again from weak performance
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

LIVE: Hornets vs. Warriors
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

LIVE: Hornets vs. Warriors
Fast Forward: High stakes vs. Hornets for Curry, Warriors
(1)
See more >

more stories

Bogut faces toughest test yet against Jefferson
(2)
Curry hates feature on new Slate jerseys
(4)
See more >

WARRIORS VIDEO

YSTL: Green cashing in on playing time
YSTL: Green cashing in on playing time
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

  • Fast Forward: High stakes vs. Hornets for Curry, Warriors
  • Bogut faces toughest test yet against Jefferson
  • Curry hates feature on new Slate jerseys
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider Bill Herenda
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Channel locations

Latest News

LIVE: Spurs vs. Kings
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Fast Forward: Kings look to right ship vs. champion Spurs
(1)
Rewind: 'Déjà vu' loss reveals two trends Kings must stop
(1)
See more >

More Stories

Instant Replay: Kings collapse in last-second loss to Grizzlies
(4)
Kings' Cousins: 'I have no respect for' Charles Barkley
(4)
See more >

Kings Video

Highlights: Kings blow 26-point lead, lose in final second
Highlights: Kings blow 26-point lead, lose in final second
See more >

  • Fast Forward: Kings look to right ship vs. champion Spurs
  • Rewind: 'Déjà vu' loss reveals two trends Kings must stop
  • Instant Replay: Kings collapse in last-second loss to Grizzlies
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

49ers place Ward on IR, activate Aldon Smith
Matt Maiocco

More Stories

49ers Mailbag: Examining Vernon Davis' disappearance
(41)
49ers DL Dial ready for possible starting role vs. Giants
(14)
See more >

More stories

49ers LB Borland named NFL Rookie of the Week
(24)
Harbaugh transcript: Aldon's biggest challenge in return
(5)
See more >

49ers VIDEO

Maiocco's 49ers-Giants Matchups to Watch
Maiocco's 49ers-Giants Matchups to Watch
See more >

49ers INSIDER

  • 49ers-Giants Matchup No. 1: Borland vs. Jennings
  • 49ers place Ward on IR, activate Aldon Smith
  • 49ers Mailbag: Examining Vernon Davis' disappearance
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Report: Eagles bring in Pryor for workout
(1)
CSNPhilly.com

More Stories

Raiders-Chargers Matchup No. 1: Mack vs. Dunlap
(1)
Raiders rookies adjust to playing Chargers second time
(1)
See more >

More Stories

OL Khalif Barnes agrees to one-year contract extension
(5)
Raiders injury report: Carrie, Tuck questionable vs. Chargers
See more >

RAIDERS VIDEO

Bair's Raiders-Chargers Matchups to Watch
Bair's Raiders-Chargers Matchups to Watch
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • Raiders-Chargers Matchup No. 1: Mack vs. Dunlap
  • Raiders rookies adjust to playing Chargers second time
  • OL Khalif Barnes agrees to one-year contract extension
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

'Quakes Wondolowski named to USMNT for final matches
(1)
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Earthquakes F Thompson called to US U-20 duty
Earthquakes' Cato, Bernardez called to international duty
See more >

Quakes Video

Wondolowski reflects on his World Cup experience
Wondolowski reflects on his World Cup experience
See more >

Shop

ANDREW BAGGARLY

Giants make Sandoval quick-strike offer
(39)
See more >

JOE STIGLICH

Tomas-to-A's seems far-fetched, but we know better
(1)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

49ers-Giants Matchup No. 1: Borland vs. Jennings
(1)

SCOTT BAIR

Raiders-Chargers Matchup No. 1: Mack vs. Dunlap
(1)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Fast Forward: High stakes vs. Hornets for Curry, Warriors
(1)
See more >

BILL HERENDA

Fast Forward: Kings look to right ship vs. champion Spurs
(1)
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Instant Replay: Sharks fall short, edged out 2-1 in Columbus
See more >

RAY RATTO

Canseco's comet transport comes with tinfoil hat

FIND OUT HOW TO WIN 49ERS TICKETS!

49ers

Click here to find out how to win 49ers tickets!

SATURDAY NIGHT ON ICE SHARKS POSTER!

more

Click here to find out how to win a Sharks collectors edition poster!

AUTHENTIC FAN THURSDAY

Click here to buy your Sharks tickets in the Authentic Fan Thursday section!



NCAA

Wisconsin's Gordon breaks FBS single-game rushing record
Stanford beats Wofford 74-59 in season opener

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • GolfChannel.com
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Highlights: CCSF defeats CSM 23-7
Highlights: CCSF defeats CSM 23-7
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Carpool Confessions
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Buster Knows Squat
  • Humm BB
  • Bullshootin'

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • Yahoo SportsTalk Live

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • Bill Herenda - Kings
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Andrew Baggarly - Giants
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California