San Antonio Spurs vs. Sacramento Kings: Keys to Game and Prediction

The San Antonio Spurs (5-2) take on the Sacramento Kings on Monday night in what should be an exciting game at the Sleep Train Arena. The game is scheduled to tip off at 10:00pm ET and will be televised on FSSW. The matchup features some terrific big man in DeMarcus Cousins and LaMarcus Aldridge. San Antonio is coming off a 114-94 win against the Charlotte Hornets. The Kings are coming off a 103-94 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

What are some keys to a Spurs win, and who will win the game?

–Kawhi Leonard vs. Rudy Gay 

Kawhi Leonard has turned into of the best wings in the league. Leonard is averaging 21.8 points and 8.3 rebounds this season. The star wing is averaging 2 steals and 1.3 blocks. Kings small forward Rudy Gay is one of the most underrated players in the league. Gay is averaging 17.1 points and 6.6 rebounds. This should be a fun matchup.

–Contain DeMarcus Cousins

This is easier said than done. DeMarcus Cousins is a dominant force. He is returning from an achilles injury that sidelined him last week. So far, Cousins is averaging 22 points and 11 rebounds this season. If the Spurs don’t double him up, he may go for 30.

–Tony Parker Must Be Aggressive

Tony Parker had a solid week, but he must be more aggressive. In Saturday’s game against the Hornets he went 2-of-5 from the field for seven points. In the previous two games he had 17 and 16 points. If the Spurs want to be a contender, Parker must be at his best.

Prediction:

The Sacramento Kings have a talented team with a terrific duo in Gay and Cousins. Despite that the Spurs are deeper and more talented. LaMarcus Aldridge has a big edge at power forward going up against Kosta Koufos and Willie Cauley-Stein.