UPDATE (3:40pm on Friday) -- Center Willie Cauley-Stein (illness) and forward Omri Casspi (sore ankle) have been ruled out for Friday night's Kings game against the Pistons.
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The Sacramento Kings take their show on the road for a four-game eastern swing beginning Friday night against the Detroit Pistons. Sacramento is coming off a blowout loss on its home floor to the Pelicans on Wednesday night. They’ve lost 10 of their last 12 games as they head towards a 10th straight season in the lottery.
With 15 games remaining, the Kings need to finish 4-11 to surpass the 30-win plateau for the first time since the 2007-08 season. DeMarcus Cousins continues to lead the way, averaging 27.2 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. The 25-year-old All-Star currently ranks fourth in the NBA in scoring and fifth in rebounding.
If the season were to end today, the Pistons would be on the outside looking in of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Detroit has lost two straight and trail the Chicago Bulls by a half game for the eighth and final playoff spot in the east. Can the Kings play spoiler?
LINE
Pistons by 10
WHERE THEY STAND
Kings: 26-41, third place in Pacific
Pistons: 34-34, third place in Central
MATCHUP TO WATCH
DeMarcus Cousins vs. Andre Drummond -- The last time these two faced off, Cousins dropped a cool 33 points and nine rebounds on Drummond and the Kings came away with a 101-92 victory. Drummond is the game’s best rebounder, averaging 15 rebounds a night. He’s also improved greatly on the offensive end of the court where he’s averaging 16.5 points on 52 percent shooting this season. Cousins needs to put a body on Drummond to keep him off the glass and limit his ally-oop opportunities.
INJURY REPORT
Kings: PG Rajon Rondo (thumb, shoulder, toes) and Marco Belinelli (sore right ankle) are probable; F Omri Casspi (sore left ankle) is questionable, SG Ben McLemore (right ring finger) is out.
Pistons: PG Reggie Jackson (illness) questionable, but likely to play, SG Jodie Meeks (right foot) questionable, PG Spencer Dinwiddie (ankle) questionable.
SERIES HISTORY
The Kings are looking for a season sweep. Detroit holds a 132-117 lead over the Kings all-time and a 35-24 advantage during the Sacramento-era.
QUOTABLE
“That’s been our season – play well one game; next game, totally different team. About the only thing we’ve been consistent at.” - DeMarcus Cousins
