Dallas Mavericks Look to End Skid Against Kings

The Dallas Mavericks are looking to end their two-game skid against the Sacramento Kings after disappointing losses to the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Mavericks were out-rebounded by 24 in those two contests, and things don’t get much easier in that department against the Kings. Sacramento is number one in opponent rebounds, giving up just 39.9 per game. Led by DeMarcus Cousins with 12.3 per game, the Kings have four players averaging over six boards a night. The Mavericks have one.

Sacramento sits in 12th place in the western conference with a record of 16-21. But don’t let the record fool you. They can play. DeMarcus Cousins is blossoming into perhaps the best big man on the planet. He’s averaging just under 24 points per game to go along with his 12.3 rebounds, and Sacramento is above .500 with the former Kentucky Wildcat in the lineup.

Nov 11, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) battles for positions with Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Cousins has missed 11 games this season while battling and recovering from viral meningitis. The Kings were 2-9 in those games, but 14-12 when they’ve had him. In those 26 games Cousins has turned in 21 double-doubles.

And he’s been an absolute monster since he’s returned from his ailment.

In those 11 games back on the floor Cousins is going for 24.5 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.0 blocks. He’ll be a load for Tyson Chandler and Greg Smith.

It’s not a one-man show, either. Rudy Gay is has had 23 games with 20+ points, and is one of the Kings averaging over six rebounds.

Still, this is a game Dallas should win.

Sacramento is second worst in the league in opponent field goal percentage within three feet of the rim. As talented as Cousins may be offensively, he’s not a great rim protector.

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Dallas, on the other hand, leads the league in field goal percentage within three feet and should get plenty of opportunities inside.

Sacramento is also 24^th in the league in turnovers committed. This bodes well for the Mavericks.

Dallas is fifth in the league in fast break points per game. If they can force turnovers they should be able to get out in transition and have success against the Kings. Sacramento is 28^th in the league in fast break points allowed.

This is the beginning of an important stretch for the Mavericks. Eight of their next ten games are against western conference opponents, and seven of those contests come on the road. Every game is important in the west as teams jockey for position, and most teams on the wrong side of .500 have the talent to win. Sacramento is one of them. Dallas had to erase a 24-point deficit earlier this season against the Kings in Dallas. Here’s the highlights of that game.

The Mavericks need to get on track again, and a win against the bruising Kings would be a good way to start.

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