Programming note: Suns-Kings coverage starts tonight at 5:30 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet California (territory restrictions apply) and streaming live right here
SACRAMENTO -- The Kings have lost 11 of their last 12 and now rumors are swirling about another potential coaching change.
Sacramento (17-32) faces Phoenix (29-23) in the second of a back-to-back after falling in Utah on Saturday 102-90. Ironically, the Suns beat the Jazz on Friday in Phoenix 100-93, snapping a three-game losing streak.
Sunday is Sacramento’s final home game before the All-Star break and the Kings desperately need a win.
[REWIND: Kings to 'keep fighting' amid losses, distractions]
BETTING LINE:
Suns by 6
MATCHUP TO WATCH:
Goran Dragic vs Ramon Sessions -- Sessions, who may gain his second consecutive start due to an injury to Darren Collison, must keep Dragic out of the paint.
Simultaneously, Sessions must get the recently moribund Kings offense to percolate.
HERENDA’S AGENDA:
1. Mental toughness –- The Kings must continue to fight through the adversity of the losing stretch and the rumors surrounding the coaching situation.
2. Perimeter play –- Dragic, Eric Bledsoe, Gerald Green and former King Isaiah Thomas average a combined 60 points per night and the Kings must match their intensity.
3. Defend –- Phoenix is a Top 10 team in the NBA in average points scored per night, field goal percentage and 3-point field goal percentage. The Kings must defend in the half court as well as transition scenarios.
INJURY REPORT:
Kings: G Darren Collison (right hip flexor strain) and F Eric Moreland (left shoulder labral tear) are out.
[RELATED: Collison to miss second straight game with hip injury]
Suns -- C Alex Len (sprained right ankle) is out.
SERIES HISTORY:
The Kings and Suns meet for the third of four meetings this season after splitting the first two contests of the campaign. The Kings won a dramatic 114-112 double overtime game in Phoenix on Nov. 7 and fell to the Suns in Sacramento on Dec. 26, 115-106.
The teams have also split the season series (2-2) the last two seasons. The Suns lead the overall series 129-83 including a 82-44 advantage in the Sacramento era.
QUOTABLE:
Kings coach Tyrone Corbin
“I’m going to keep trying to push them as much as we can, and they have to keep trying to play as much as they can as long as we’re together.”
Watch Insider Bill Herenda tonight offer up “Herenda’s Agenda” on Kings Pregame Live on Comcast SportsNet California.