San Antonio Spurs vs Sacramento Kings: Prediction & Keys

Nov 9, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich and guard Tony Parker (9) discuss the play during the second quarter of the gameagainst the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich and guard Tony Parker (9) discuss the play during the second quarter of the gameagainst the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Antonio Spurs (47-9) hit the road to take on the Sacramento Kings (24-31) for a Wednesday night matchup at Sleep Train Arena.

Sacramento is 14-13 at home this season.  Manu Ginobili (groin) and Matt Bonner (left calf strain) will miss the contest. Kawhi Leonard (calf) is questionable. The game is scheduled to tip-off at 9:30pm ET and will be televised on ESPN.

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San Antonio is coming off a 118-111 win against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon. Tony Parker  led the Spurs with 22 points and four assists.

The Kings are coming off a 115-110 win against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night. DeMarcus Cousins led Sacramento with 39 points and nine rebounds.

San Antonio is looking to continue their success against the Kings as they have won the last four meetings which includes their November 8th matchup where the Spurs won 106-88. The Spurs are 19-9 on the road this season.

What are the keys to a San Antonio Spurs victory against the Sacramento Kings?

Nov 9, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) dunks the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

-Contain Cousins

Easier said than done. Cousins has been on a tear this season. He is coming off of a 39 points outburst on Tuesday. In the teams first meeting, Cousins finished with 21 points. His 16.6 scoring average against the Spurs are the second-lowest in his career.

-Defense, Defense, Defense

San Antonio is struggling over their last three games on the defensive side of the ball giving up 109 points per game. Spurs are showing the effects of not having the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Kawhi Leonard out of the lineup. If he misses his fourth-straight game Wednesday, the Spurs are going to have to tighten up and make the Kings work for everyone point. They cannot give up easy transition baskets.

-Get Tony Parker Going

Parker has been coming on with his offense over the teams eight game road trip. He is coming off of a 22 point performance against the Suns and is starting to fill in nicely for Leonard’s absence on the offensive end as well. Over the last three games, Parker is averaging 20.3 points per game. For a player that has seen his scoring take a backseat behind Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge this season, it is a good to see that he can still help lead the team offensively.

Prediction:

102. 29. 96. 84.

The Kings come into their matchup with the Spurs riding a three game winning streak. Cousins and company will look to take down the Spurs whom have won four straight against Sacramento.

Next: San Antonio Spurs vs Sacramento Kings: Game Preview