The Sacramento Kings venture away from home Monday night to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. After a tough three-game losing streak, the Kings picked up a much needed win on Saturday against the Phoenix Suns and sit just two games out of the eighth spot in the Western Conference.
Sacramento scored a season-high 142 points against Phoenix, shooting a whopping 60.9 percent from the floor as a team. Six players scored in double-figures, led by DeMarcus Cousins’ 32 in just 27 minutes of action as the Kings played their best offensive game of the season.
The Thunder have won four straight and 13 of their last 15 games. They come into Monday’s contest averaging 108.7 points per game, good enough for second best in the league. Rookie head coach Billy Donovan will have to rely heavily on Russell Westbrook, because Kevin Durant will not play because of a sprained right big toe.
LINE
Thunder by 11
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Rajon Rondo vs. Russell Westbrook -- The first time these two met in early December, Westbrook notched a 19 point, 10 assist, 11 rebound triple-double double. Rondo wasn’t far behind in rebounds and assists, but he finished with just seven points. Westbrook walked away with both the one-on-one win, but also a 98-95 victory for his team.
WHERE THEY STAND
Kings: 13-20, third place in Pacific
Thunder: 24-10, first place in Northwest
INJURY REPORT
Kings: F Eric Moreland (left foot) out, F Duje Dukan (lower leg) out, Omri Casspi (upper back soreness) out.
Thunder: F Kevin Durant (right big toe) is out.
SERIES HISTORY
The Kings have lost two straight to the Thunder and 14 in a row in Oklahoma City. The Thunder hold a 139-82 all-time lead over the Kings and an 82-46 advantage in the Sacramento-era.
QUOTABLE
“We’ve just got to stay together, stay the course. The good thing about the West – they’re giving us a chance and it’s right in front of us if we want it. If we play together the right way and do what we have to do defensively, we can go on to OKC and Dallas and get a game. We’re capable of being an elite team, so it’s just a matter of what Kings team shows up. We want the best Kings team to show up every night right now.” -- Darren Collison
