Programming note: Thunder-Kings coverage starts at 4:30 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet California (territory restrictions apply) and streaming live right here.
The Kings will once again be without DeMarcus Cousins and also Rudy Gay, as Sacramento takes on the Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday.
Sacramento (27-51) will try to get back in the win column after a 103-91 loss in Utah on Wednesday, while Oklahoma City has lost four straight.
Notwithstanding identical records, OKC (42-36) trails New Orleans (42-36) for the final Western Conference playoff spot due to the Pels taking the head-to-head season series three games to one.
BETTING LINE
Thunder by 12.5
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Russell Westbrook vs Ray McCallum -- After a subpar outing in Utah, can McCallum contain the explosive Westbrook?
HERENDA’S AGENDA
1. Contain Westbrook –- McCallum is coming off a tough outing Wednesday in Utah and has a tough assignment in slowing down the MVP candidate.
2. Clean the glass –- Sacramento, especially without Cousins, must compete with an OKC squad that leads the league in rebound margin.
3. Cagey cohesive road effort –- The Kings are 21-8 when leading after three quarters but must get there first.
INJURY REPORT
Kings -- G Nik Stauskas (mid back strain) are questionable while C DeMarcus Cousins (sore right foot), F Rudy Gay (concussion), G Darren Collison (core muscle injury) and F Eric Moreland (left shoulder labral tear) are out.
Thunder -- F Kevin Durant (right foot surgery), F Nick Collison (left ankle sprain) and F Serge Ibaka (right knee surgery) are out.
SERIES HISTORY
The Kings and Thunder get together for the fourth and final time after Sacramento secured its first win of the season over Oklahoma City, 104-83 on Jan. 7 at Sleep Train Arena.
Oklahoma City swept last season’s series 4-0 and leads the overall series 137-82, including 80-46 in the Sacramento era.
QUOTABLE
“There were times where I probably should have been a little bit more aggressive. It was just tough. It was tough for me to get in flow or rhythm tonight. No excuses, I will watch the film, learn from it and come prepared for Friday.” -- Ray McCallum after three points, two assists and two rebounds in 33 minutes of action in Wednesday’s 103-91 loss in Utah
Watch Insider Bill Herenda offer up “Herenda’s Agenda” on Kings Pregame Live on Comcast SportsNet California.
