Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Sacramento Kings

The Spurs will pursue their sixth consecutive victory in Sacramento on the first leg of the annual rodeo road trip. Saturday’s 113-108 win over New Orleans pushed San Antonio into 5^th place in the Western Conference, 6 games back of Denver and Golden State. The Kings enter the game on a mini two-game win streak having defeated the Sixers 115-108 at home on Saturday. In November’s initial meeting also in Sacramento, the Spurs lost to the Kings 104-99. At 27-25, Sacramento sits one game out of the 8^th spot in the West.

San Antonio Spurs (32-22) @ Sacramento Kings (27-25)

February 4, 2019| 9:00 PM CT

Watch: NBATV| Listen: WOAI

Spurs injuries: Dejounte Murray (knee), Derrick White (heel) out until at least Feb 6, Dante Cunningham (ankle) GTD

Kings injuries: none

THE KINGS

The Kings remain on target for their best season since that of 2005-06 when they finished 44-38. Five players average double figures starting with Buddy Hield (20.5), De’Aaron Fox (17.5), Bogdan Bogdanovic (15.1), Willie Cauley-Stein (13.2) and Marvin Bagley (12.9). But as a team, the average offensive output of 113.4 points per game trails the 114.9 points per game surrendered.

THE SPURS

Rodeo Road Trip

This year’s version runs 8 games, 5 before the All-Star Game and 3 following. It includes 6 teams with better than .500 records, and 5 that currently sit in playoff contention. Here’s the schedule:

Derrick White Out

In unexpected news, the team announced that starting point guard Derrick White, averaging 13.6 points per game over his last 10, will be out until at least February 6^th with a sore right heel. Which player(s) will receive his minutes remains an unknown, including Lonnie Walker IV who is currently assigned to the Austin Spurs.

Make Road Your Home

At 10-15 on the road, the rodeo road trip provides the Spurs with a critical opportunity to become the type of road team that is required for them to truly challenge in the West.

Vegas prediction: Spurs by 2.

Game prediction: Spurs by 5.

For a Kings fan’s perspective, visit Sactown Royalty

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