Sacramento comes into Indiana trying to get even on their four-game road trip when they take on the Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. After a disappointing loss to the Wizards on Monday, the Kings need a group effort in a getaway game to avoid a 1-3 trip.
DeMarcus Cousins continues to search for his game. Despite dropping in 22 points and eight rebounds in Washington earlier in the week, the All-Star big has looked lethargic and out of sorts. He will face defensive-minded Ian Mahinmi on Wednesday with an opportunity to get back on track.
[HAM: Rewind: Loss to Wizards microcosm of Kings' season]
Indiana comes in riding a two-game losing streak after road losses in Memphis and San Antonio. Paul George and C.J. Miles lead a balanced attack for coach Frank Vogel. The Pacers tout the fifth-best defensive squad and their offensive rating is in the top 10 in the league.
LINE
Pacers by 6.5
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Rudy Gay vs. Paul George -- Gay has shown a better commitment on the defensive end of late and the Kings will need everything he has Wednesday against the All-Star Paul George. George comes into the game averaging 25.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He is back and fully healed after a devastating leg injury nearly ended his career two years ago. Gay will have his hands full and he’ll need plenty of help from his teammates if the Kings hope to limit one of the league’s best.
WHERE THEY STAND
Kings: 11-17, fourth place in Pacific
Pacers: 16-11, second place in Central
INJURY REPORT
Kings: F-C Willie Cauley-Stein (right index finger) out, F Eric Moreland (left foot) out.
Pacers: C Miles Turner (left hand) out.
SERIES HISTORY
Sacramento swept the season series against the Pacers last year, but Indiana holds a 44-37 lead over the Kings all-time and a 33-24 advantage during the Sacramento-era.
QUOTABLE
“It hurts, but even then, we still had a chance. It’s a game of runs. We just, when they made their runs, we just didn’t make our own.”
-DeMarcus Cousins on Monday’s loss to the Wizards
