Preview: Kings, Knicks set to square off in front of national TNT audience

Mar 9, 2023, 9:23 AM

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 11: Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings shoots the ball during ...

(Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

Editor & Kings Beat Writer

Two of the hottest teams in the NBA will face off on a national stage Thursday when the Sacramento Kings take on the New York Knicks at Golden 1 Center.

After winning nine-straight games, New York (39-28) lost its first game since February 10th when they dropped Tuesday’s contest against the Charlotte Hornets.

Sacramento (38-26) has jumped into the second spot in the Western Conference after winning six of their past seven games, while teams around them in the standings have struggled. Thursday’s game against the Knicks will be a significant test for a Kings team that has struggled defensively all season.

After sitting out of Monday’s win over New Orleans due to left hamstring soreness, Kings guard De’Aaron Fox told the media that he intends to play on Thursday night, while Knicks guard Jalen Brunson’s status is up in the air due to foot soreness.

With only 18 games remaining in the season, Sacramento is in a solid position to secure its first playoff berth in 16 years and do so in grand fashion by finishing with a top-four record in the conference–something that would include home-court advantage in the first round.

To do so, the Kings need to continue to pick up wins, and the road to the postseason continues on Thursday night in a game broadcasted nationally by TNT.

"Playoffs… PLAYOFFS?"

Yeah. Playoffs.

The Sacramento Kings are closing in on securing the franchise's first postseason berth in 16 years, and the team's chances of securing home court advantage are very real.

Some thoughts on the road ahead:https://t.co/CNLyz38J2G

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) March 8, 2023

Sacramento Kings vs. New York Knicks Game Info

When: 7:00 PM PST

Where: Golden 1 Center – Sacramento, CA

TV: TNT

Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 AM – Pregame coverage starts at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night

Line: Kings -2.5, O/U: 238.5

Tickets: Click Here

No Early Drama

Sacramento has had a knack for being put in a hole early this season, which was problematic during its most recent showing against New York.

On December 11th, the Knicks poured it on early at Madison Square Garden as they used a 17-point first quarter from Julius Randle to take a 36-22 lead into the second. Even though the Kings outscored New York 77-76 during the final three periods, too much damage had been done within the first 12 minutes of play.

During Sacramento’s most-recent loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Kings had no say in the pace of play early as the T-Wolves set the tone on the offensive end, scoring at will and doing so with ease. Once the adjustments were made, it was too late.

Keeping Randle in check early should be a goal for Sacramento, as the All-Star forward ranks fourth in the NBA regarding first-quarter points per game (9.3).

Be Aggressive On The Glass

New York is one of the best rebounding teams in the league, and the Kings… well, they aren’t.

The Knicks enter play averaging 46.8 rebounds per game (third in the NBA) and third in offensive rebounds per game (also third in the NBA), while Sacramento sits at 22nd in rebounds per game and 25th in offensive rebounding.

Even though All-Star center Domantas Sabonis leads the league in total rebounds (765) and rebounds per game (12.3), the big man needs his teammates to do their part and crash the glass on Thursday.

Players like Keegan Murray, Harrison Barnes, Chimezie Metu, and Trey Lyles will need to pull their weight against New York as Julius Randle (10.4 rebounds per game), Mitchell Robinson (9.4 rebounds per game), and Isaiah Hartenstein (12.1 rebounds per 36 minutes) will be lurking for loose boards.

Don’t Live And Die By The Three

If the Kings struggle from beyond the arc early, they can’t expect to keep firing away and wasting possessions.

New York has held opponents to 34.7 percent shooting from three-point land this season, the fourth-lowest average in the NBA. With this Sacramento team, it usually becomes apparent early when players like Kevin Huerter or Keegan Murray are in a groove.

Huerter is a player to watch, as ‘Red Velvet’ is shooting 17-of-29 (58%) from three over the past four games. If the Kings can get the sharpshooting guard looks early and he’s knocking them down, great. If not, the Kings need to ensure they don’t get stubborn and keep expecting them to fall–especially if New York is putting space between them on the scoreboard.

Huerter is 6 of 8 from deep tonight ☔ pic.twitter.com/VR7IYh3a3T

— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) March 7, 2023

Keegan Murray is another threat that is due for a big night, as the rookie is two-for-10 from beyond the arc over his past two games.

If the triples don’t fall, the Kings will need to change their plan of attack, as the Knicks have proven that they are fully capable of going on a run while opponents go through scoring droughts.

Sacramento will have to be creative, as New York also owns the NBA’s top paint defense (45.3 points per game). Maybe the mid-range shot will make a comeback on Thursday (joking…well, kind of joking).

Injury Report

Sacramento

Keon Ellis – OUT (G-League)
Neemias Queta – OUT (G-League)

New York

Jalen Brunson – QUESTIONABLE (left foot soreness)
DaQuan Jeffries – OUT (G-League)
Moses Brown – OUT (G-League)
Duane Washington Jr. – OUT (G-League)

Recent History

The Kings have lost four-straight games to New York, with their most recent win taking place on January 22, 2021.
Sacramento has lost its past four games against the Knicks by an average of 17 points per contest.

Be sure to get all of your Kings vs. Pelicans coverage right here on Sactown Sports 1140 beginning at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night with Scott Marsh and Henry ‘The High Flyer’ Turner before a 7:00 PM PST tip-off from downtown Sacramento.