Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs Sacramento Kings

After facing Demarcus Cousins’ new squad last Friday, the Spurs will go up against his old one tonight in the new-look Sacramento Kings who have lost 4 of their last 5 games since trading Boogie.

The Spurs will look to take advantage of the Kings’ recent struggles, marred by inconsistency from a group of guys now thrust into bigger roles, to get their ninth win in a row. It’d help if this one came a bit easier than their last four, all of which have either gone to the wire or in OT.

Kawhi Leonard will look to continue his dominance. He’s coming off a Monday-night performance where he netted 39 points on 12-of-18 shooting, including a clutch three and a pin block on James Harden to seal a huge victory for the Spurs. Leonard has played as well as anyone over the last month, and the Kings’ lack of a wing shut-down defender could mean that he adds to his streak of 30-point games.

San Antonio Spurs (48-13) vs Sacramento Kings (25-38)

Mar. 8, 2017 | 7:30 pm CDT

Watch: FSSW; Listen: 1200 AM WOAI

Spurs Injuries: None

Kings Injuries: Rudy Gay (Achilles), Malachi Richardson (hamstring)

Up-and-down Willie Cauley-Stein

Since the Demarcus Cousins trade, Kings C Willie Cauley-Stein is averaging 11.5 Points, 6.4 Rebounds, and 25 minutes. This trade has not only given Cauley-Stein the minutes he's wanted but is giving him a chance to show his true potential, but his play thus far has been far from consistent. We’ll see which version of the second-year big man shows up tonight.

Not another close one, please

Over the last few games, the Spurs have gone wire-to-wire and haven't been able to "blow out" their last few opponents. The Kings are a cut below the competition they’ve faced as of late, which will hopefully mean a more dominating showing from the Silver and Black.

Vegas line: Spurs by 16.

Game prediction: Spurs by 8.

For the Kings fans' perspective, visit Sactown Royalty.

As always Tony must dominate Fisher.

PtR's Gamethread will be up this evening for those who want to chat through the game. You can also follow along with the action through PtR's Twitter feed.