Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs (57-21) vs Sacramento Kings (28-50)

Feb 19, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts after being called for a foul against San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Sacramento Kings 108-102. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
That’s the same facial expression I made when thinking about tonight’s game, DeMarcus.
The San Antonio Spurs will go for the season sweep of the Sacramento Kings tonight inside the AT&T Center.
Let’s try to maintain a positive attitude and not talk about the Spurs last game. San Antonio comes in tied with the Thunder for the #1 seed out West. And with this being game 79 of 82 this season, a win against a lower tier opponent like this is crucial. The Spurs will be led by the forever young Tim Duncan, who averages 15 points and 12 rebounds in the Spurs three matchups versus the Kings this season, all while shooting a solid 61%.
Countering Duncan (when he’s not too busy threatening or attempting to fight Sean Elliott) is the volatile DeMarcus Cousins. Boogie seemingly always struggles against the Spurs, but this season more so averaging just 11.3 points and 7.7 boards. The Kings do have other weapons in the streaky shooting Marcus Thornton, and in point guard/shooting guard/small forward/whatever position they need, Tyreke Evans, who once infamously tried to kill Gary Neal.
Last time these two teams met the Spurs shot 45% from long range, in route to a 130-102 victory in Sacramento. With the Spurs recent struggles from beyond the 3-point line maybe tonight will be the perfect coming out party to make it rain inside the AT&T Center. More good news for the Spurs offense (and defense), it looks as if tonight will be the return of William Anthony Parker, Jr. from his ankle-shin-neck-finger injury, that’s caused him to sit 3 out of the last 4 games.
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
Point GuardsTony Parker – Isaiah Thomas
Shooting GuardsDanny Green – Tyreke Evans
Small ForwardsKawhi Leonard – John Salmons
Power ForwardsTim Duncan – Jason Thompson
CentersTiago Splitter – DeMarcus Cousins
BenchGary Neal, DeJuan Blair, Matt Bonner – Marcus Thornton, Chuck Hayes, Toney Douglas
Head CoachesGregg Popovich – Keith Smart
GAME AND BROADCAST INFORMATION
When: Friday, April 12th, 2013 at 7:30 PM (Central Time)Where: AT&T Center – San Antonio, TexasTelevision: FSSW (Local) – Radio: 1200 AM WOAI (Local)
The Sacramento Kings perspective can be found over at Fansided’s own A Royal Pain.
Game Prediction: Blood. Lots of blood. A Spurs victory guarantees that San Antonio cannot finish any worse than the 2nd seed in the West. The Kings allow an average of 104.8 points a game, which is “good” for 30th in the NBA. All of that combined with the return of Tony Parker should equal a solid double-digit victory and give the Spurs their 58th victory of the season.