Programming note: Kings-Pistons coverage starts today at 2:30 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet California (territorial restrictions apply) and streaming live right here
The Kings have an opportunity to split a four-game road trip in Detroit against the surging Pistons who are in the midst of a four-game winning streak.
After road losses at Brooklyn and at Boston, Sacramento finished off the pesky Timberwolves 110-107 in Minnesota on Thursday without DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay on floor at crunch time after the pair fouled out in the fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, Detroit dismantled the decimated Knicks on Friday 97-81 – a final score not reflective of the lopsided nature of the affair.
[REWIND: Kings role players step up in momentus road win]
BETTING LINE:
Pistons by 2.5
MATCHUP TO WATCH:
Darren Collison vs. Brandon Jennings: Jennings is averaging 18.3 points over his last four games including pouring in 29 points in Friday’s win at Madison Square Garden.
Collison and company held Jennings to just three points in Sacramento last month and while an encore may be unrealistic, containing the Compton, CA product is key for the Kings.
HERENDA’S AGENDA:
1. Defend the 3-point line – The Pistons’ 63 3-pointers in their last five games represent the best five-game span of downtown shooting in franchise history.
While the Kings are still in the top five in the NBA in 3-point field goal percentage defense, Sacramento will be tested in Motown.
2. Clean up the glass – Andre Drummond has had four 20-rebound efforts in his last seven games.
The Kings must put multiple bodies on No. 0 and Greg Monroe.
3. Patience & trust on O – Sacramento is averaging 105.4 points per game since Tyrone Corbin has taken on head coaching duties while Detroit has held three consecutive opponents under 90 points.
INJURY UPDATE:
Kings – F Omri Casspi (left knee bone contusion), G Ramon Sessions (low back strain) and F Eric Moreland (left shoulder labral tear) are out.
Pistons – None to report.
SERIES HISTORY:
Sunday represents the second and final meeting this season between Sacramento and Detroit. The Kings were defeated 95-90 at Sleep Train Arena on December 13, which was Michael Malone’s last game as Sacramento’s head coach.
The Pistons swept last season’s series 2-0 and lead the overall series over the Kings 131-116 including a 34-23 advantage in the Sacramento era.
QUOTABLE:
Sacramento Kings Guard Darren Collison to reporters in Minnesota after Thursday’s 110-107 win over the Timberwolves:
"It's not about moral victories as much as coaches, players they want to think like that, but at the end of the day you've just got to find a way to win."
