Preview: Kings Return Home For Matchup Against Dangerous Cavs Team
Nov 9, 2022, 9:42 AM | Updated: 12:28 pm
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
After a 2-2 road trip that could have gone much better if not for some incompetence from NBA officiating, the Sacramento Kings will return home on Wednesday night for a matchup against the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Kings (3-6) will hope to upset a loaded Cavaliers team that has jumped out to an 8-2 start thanks to contributions from its All-Star core of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
Here’s everything that you need to know for tonight’s Kings vs Cavs matchup:
A 2-2 road trip for the Kings just got a lot more frustrating as both losses were the result of blown calls from NBA officials.https://t.co/yBlbU6z3i2
— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) November 8, 2022
Where To Watch & Listen To Kings vs Cavaliers
When: 7:00 PM PST
Where: Golden 1 Center – Sacramento, CA
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 AM – Pregame coverage starts at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night
Tickets: Click here
What To Watch For
The Cavs’ Length
Much like we saw from the Orlando Magic during last week’s game at the Amway Center, the Cavaliers have plenty of length in their lineup, something that the Kings could struggle with on Wednesday night.
- Evan Mobley: 7’0
- Jarrett Allen: 6’11
- Robin Lopez: 7’0
Sacramento has one active seven-footer on their roster in Alex Len, but the Kings lack true rim-protection, something that might hurt them against Cleveland’s center duo of Mobley and Allen.
Defend The Perimeter
Although rim protection continues to act as Sacramento’s greatest area of need, they will need to track down Cavs shooters on the perimeter as Cleveland enters play with the second-best three-point shooting team in the NBA (39%).
Donovan Mitchell is off to an incredible start this season as the All-Star is averaging 31.2 points per game on 45 percent shooting from beyond the arc. De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell will need to slow Mitchell down and apply pressure on the perimeter in hopes to contain the dangerous guard.
Other players like Kevin Love, Dean Wade, and Caris LeVert are all shooting over 40 percent from three-point land on 3.5 attempts per contest. Sacramento has allowed opponents to shoot 38% from three-point range this season, which is next to dead last in the NBA when it comes to three-point defense.
They’re going to have to do better against Cleveland.
Where have you gone, Harrison Barnes?
If the Sacramento Kings want to start stringing together some wins, they’re going to need a lot more of… well, everything, out of Harrison Barnes.
The longtime veteran is off to a horrific start this season as he holds averages of 9.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game on 36 percent shooting from the field and just 16 percent from beyond the three-point arc. After a career year in 2021-22, Barnes has been a disappointment during the opening stretch of this season.
Can the 30-year-old finally break out of his slump tonight with Cleveland in town? If not, one must wonder if head coach Mike Brown opts to switch up the starting lineup and move Barnes into a reserve role.
The Return
It might not be a former player that will be making his return on Wednesday night, but a familiar face will be on Cleveland’s sideline at Golden 1 Center:
Luke Walton.
The former Kings head coach is an assistant on J.B. Bickerstaff’s bench and will be making his first appearance in Sacramento since the 42-year-old was dismissed back on November 21, 2021.
Recent History
After winning five-straight games against Cleveland during the 2017-2021 seasons, the Kings were swept by the Cavs during last year’s two-game set:
- December 11, 2021 – Cavs 117, Kings 103
- January 10, 2022- Cavs 109, Kings 108
In the most recent matchup between the two teams back on January 10th, De’Aaron Fox’s game-winning attempt rimmed out as time expired to give Cleveland a narrow one-point victory.
Since the start of the 2012-13 season, Sacramento holds a 10-9 record against the Cavs.
Injury Report
Sacramento
- Malik Monk – QUESTIONABLE (right groin soreness)
During shoot around on Wednesday, a source close to the team indicated that Monk will be available vs Cleveland.
Cleveland
- Isaiah Mobley – OUT (G-League)
- Ricky Rubio – OUT (ACL recovery)
- Dylan Windler – OUT (ankle sprain)
Also: Check out our Sactown Sports Kings Recap Show on the Sactown Sports 1140 YouTube channel!
Sactown Sports Kings Recap Shows will be happening all season long, immediately following each Kings game!
Upcoming Sacramento Kings Schedule
Wednesday, November 9th – Sacramento Kings vs Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:00 PM PST
Friday, November 11th – Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Lakers – 7:30 PM PST
Sunday, November 13th – Sacramento Kings vs Golden State Warriors – 6:00 PM PST
Tuesday, November 15th – Sacramento Kings vs Brooklyn Nets – 7:00 PM PST
Thursday, November 17th – Sacramento Kings vs San Antonio Spurs – 7:00 PM PST
