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December 11, 2007
Things you probably didn't know about the Sacramento Kings
The Celtics, the team with the league's best record at 17-2, take on the Sacramento Kings, 8-12, Wednesday night at the TDBanknorth Garden.
Here are the statistics of note:
The Celtics are undefeated at home and going for 11 straight victories there. Sacramento has yet to win on the road in 8 chances.
About the Kings:
a)They average 99.8 points per and give up 102.9.
b) They are outrebounded by 2.9 per game (4th worst)
c) The Kings have the lowest assist totals (16.9) in the league - even worse than the selfish Knicks. Until Beno Udrih arrived it was even worse.
d) They get to the line a lot. They have the 3rd most foul shot attempts - 29.6, 2nd most makes - 23.6, and 3rd best pct. at .79.7%.
e) They don't shoot much from downtown (bottom 25% - 15.4 per)
f) They don't block many shots and have the 2nd worse differential in the league at -1.8
g) They are the 10th worse in field goal defense - 46.4%
The Kings are without:
Shareef Abdul-Rahim - out for season - knee
Mike Bibby - until mid December - thumb
Kevin Martin - 4-6 weeks - groin
Being without Bibby and Martin hurts the team the most. Yet, Udrih and John Salmons have come in and done credible jobs in their absence. Udrih is a better scorer than distributor at the moment. Salmons can score, make steals, and play good defense.
There are rumors (again) that the Kings are trying to move Bibby now that Beno has proven to be starting PG material.
Ron Artest is the scoring leader in Martin's absence with 20.3 pts. per and assists with 4.3.
Everything points to another Celtic blow-out win. The Artest/Pierce match up is always fun to watch. Sacramento is just starting a tough road trip and should have some energy. The Celtics counter by being at home, well rested, and working on a 6 game winning streak.
Though the Kings will play hard, this should be decided by early in the second half if previous patterns run true. They, like most teams, have no answer for Kevin Garnett. Salmons and Artest will try to make life difficult for Pierce and Ray Allen.
Rajon Rondo against Udrih should also be interesting.
With Perkins' toe injury, and Pollard's ongoing problems, it is likely that Glen Davis will get his first career start. He should flourish against this team, unless he gets into foul trouble, which is also likely, due to his emotional approach to the game.
Maybe there will be another Leon Powe sighting.
The Celtics are trending toward a more balanced offense of late. That trend should continue. Sacramento will kick and scream but, unless lightning strikes, will have little to say in the outcome of this game.
T
Posted by Tom on December 11, 2007 10:59 PM
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Comments
heck with the kings big baby is getting his first start i would love to see if he has alot of stamina
after heavy minutes.
Posted by: bleed green at December 12, 2007 1:34 PM
