Programming note: Kings-Knicks coverage starts at 4:00pm with Pregame Live on CSN California.
The Sacramento Kings take their show to the Big Apple Sunday evening to face the sputtering Knicks.
After running their record to 22-22 on Jan. 20, the Knicks are 6-20 since and, like the Kings, headed towards another NBA Draft lottery. Sacramento has lost 11-of-13, including Friday night’s matchup in Detroit.
George Karl has spoken about playing his younger players more down the stretch, but Seth Curry saw just four minutes of action in Detroit, while 36-year-old Caron Butler logged 18 minutes. Butler played well, leaving some to ponder where the Kings might have been if Karl would have given him a shot earlier in the season.
The Knicks fired head coach Derek Fisher after a 101-96 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 7. Kurt Rambis has taken the reigns of the Knicks and posted a 5-11 record.
LINE
Kings by 3
WHERE THEY STAND
Kings: 26-42, third place in Pacific
Knicks: 28-42, third place in Atlantic
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Willie Cauley-Stein vs. Kristaps Porzingis -- Cauley-Stein missed Friday night’s game in Detroit with flu-like symptoms, but he could suit up Sunday in New York. This matchup would pit two long, rangy athletes against one another. Porzingis is the more polished offensive weapon at this point, but Cauley-Stein has an edge on the defensive side. It should make for a good battle.
INJURY REPORT
Kings: SG Ben McLemore (non-displaced fracture right ring finger) out, F-C Willie Cauley-Stein (flu-like symptoms) doubtful, Marco Belinelli (sore right ankle) probable, F Omri Casspi (sore left ankle) probable, PG Rajon Rondo (turf toe, right thumb sprain, right shoulder contusion) probable.
Knicks: F Lance Thomas (knee) out, F Carmelo Anthony (migraine) day-to-day.
SERIES HISTORY
The last time these two teams faced off Sacramento came away with a 99-97 win on Dec. 10 at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings hold a 152-142 advantage over the Knicks all-time, but New York leads 33-28 during the Sacramento-era.
QUOTABLE
“Slow start, slow end. We just have to put together a whole game of good basketball. We just need to get better.” -Rudy Gay following the Kings’ loss to the Pistons
