Cavaliers (9-30) at Kings (13-24) - Game #40
OPENING TIP
As far as this season goes, the Cavaliers are a mystery from night to night and not a team you can pick to win. When they put four quarters together, they’re actually pretty enjoyable and have a chance against anyone. But that happens about twice a month. Otherwise, they need to rely on their opponent not playing well. Tonight, they’re playing a similar team in the Kings -- young, talented, maddening. The Cavs have lost two straight and the Kings four.
Venue: Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, Calif.
TV/Radio: 9:30 p.m. EST, FOX Sports Ohio/WTAM
All-Time Series: Tied, 53-53.
PROJECTED STARTERS
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (9-30)
C Tyler Zeller
PF Tristan Thompson
SF Alonzo Gee
SG CJ Miles
PG Kyrie Irving
SACRAMENTO KINGS (13-24)
C DeMarcus Cousins
PF Jason Thompson
SF John Salmons
SG Francisco Garcia
PG Isaiah Thomas
Pregame notes:
• This appears to be the Cavs’ final game in Sacramento, as the Kings are preparing for an ownership change and move to Seattle.
• Tyreke Evans didn’t play in the Kings’ win in Cleveland on Jan. 2. He likely will tonight, and possibly even start in place of Garcia. Basically, the hits just keep on coming for the Cavs.
• Aaron Brooks (flu) is questionable for the Kings. Brooks turns 28 today.
• This is the Cavs’ 13th back-to-back of the season. They haven’t fared well on second nights. (Or too many firsts, for that matter.)
• Kings rookie forward Thomas Robinson has grabbed 10 or more rebounds in each of the last three games.
• The Kings are 11-3 when leading at half, but just 2-22 when trailing (and 1-22 when trailing after three quarters).