Game #17: Nuggets @ Kings Preview

Mike Malone is back for revenge... Just kidding he's suspended.

What: Denver Nuggets (9-7) vs. Sacramento Kings (4-12)

When: 7:00 pm PT

Where: Golden 1 Center (Sacramento, California)

How to Watch: NBC Sports California

How to Listen: KHTK Sports 1140

On Saturday night the Kings lost in Portland to the Trail Blazers on the second night of a back-to-back. The Blazers got their revenge against the Kings with a 102-90 win. Both teams defended home court in this home-and-home series.

BasketballReference.com Kings' box score vs. Blazers

BasketballReference.com Blazers' box score vs. Kings

Keys to the Game:

DEFENSE

This seems simple yet is extremely important. The Nuggets had one of the best offenses in the NBA last season and have continued that into this season. When these two teams met earlier this season, the Nuggets got on a roll offensively and the Kings never recovered. If Sacramento hopes to win this game tonight they must keep Denver under 100 points, a lot easier said than done.

Willie Cauley-Stein

Recently, Willie compared his skill sets to the Knicks' superstar Kristaps Porzingis. Willie has been more aggressive as of late offensively but has yet to truly prove his comparison. Tonight he matches up against a player who is actually very comparable to Porzingis, in Nikola Jokic. Jokic leads the Nuggets in points, assists, and rebounds and at 22 years of age is one of the best young players in the NBA. If Willie wants to prove himself as a top center in the league, he has a great opportunity tonight against Denver.

Inactive Report:

Sacramento: