Artest not in Seattle

[6th]

I think Muss will start Salmons instead of Garcia if Ron doesn't play

While that is certainly possible, if you look at Salmons game of the other night (and the fact that he is just coming off an injury) and compare it to Garcia's game, I think/hope that he starts Garcia. Of course, whichever player is playing better in Seattle should still get the bulk of the minutes...starter or not.

 

[KiNgSbOi101]

I think Muss will start Salmons instead of Garcia if Ron doesn't play

Garcia Plz

 

[Rockmeister]

Ron artest did not make the team flight tonight and will not be playing in seattle tomorrow night.........

Where's the link for this? I heard he MIGHT not play doesn't mean he won't play tonight.

 

[diggining]

Whenever we play the Sonics, I feel that it's really how they play that determines the game--they're such a streaky outside shooting team that sometimes you can play fantastic defense, but guys like Allen and Lewis will still make a bunch of 3's with a hand in the face. Sometimes you leave them wide open, and they still can't buy a 3. As such, I think the key with the Sonics is that we have to take care of the business on the offenseive end and win the rebounding battle, and hope that they don't get insanely hot, which they usually don't. It sucks that Artest can't make it, but in a way I am glad this is the Sonics, and not the Lakers (Kobe) or the Rockets (T-Mac), where Artest would make a much bigger difference imo.

 

[kennadog]

Artest and Bibby are both questionable for tonight.

Kings website game notes:

http://www.nba.com/kings/news/notes.pdf

Sacramento Bee:

http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/82404.html

-- they might be in danger of further downfall because of the injury bug. Point guard Mike Bibby (left thigh contusion) and small forward Ron Artest (back strain) are questionable for tonight's game.

And

García will be relied on again tonight, with Artest possibly out and swingman John Salmons not completely healthy from his right thigh contusion.

 

[jay dubb]

Well no Ron Artest tonight

http://aol.nba.com/kings/features/wu_kings_at_sonics_112406.html


A Unique Look at Tonight’s Kings at Sonics
11/24/2006

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Kings are in Seattle to take on the Sonics tonight at 7:30 p.m. at KeyArena.

The Kings lost a frustrating game on Wednesday to the NBA’s highest scoring team after leading by 21 points in the third quarter.

“I think our guys played hard, we just didn’t get stops down the stretch,” Coach Eric Musselman said after the Kings loss.

“Everything was going so well,” John Salmons said after his first game back. “They just kept coming and never gave in.”

The Kings showed how effective they can be on defense and offense Wednesday. They scored 55 points in the first half and held the Jazz to 37.

The Kings have certainly taken their share of bumps and bruises early this season. Tonight the Kings will be without their leader on the defensive end, Ron Artest, who will be out for tonight’s game with a lower back strain. Francisco Garcia or John Salmons will start in place of Artest tonight at small forward.

Mike Bibby who has already shown his warrior like mentality playing through thumb and wrist injuries, sustained a left thigh contusion Wednesday, but he will likely play. As he put it, if he can walk, he can play.

Garcia has performed well in limited minutes so far this season. In 16 minutes Wednesday, Garcia had nine points, including two of four from long range. He also blocked one shot and grabbed two boards. Garcia’s ability to slash and shoot from downtown will be very helpful in keeping the Sonics honest on defense.

The past three games the Kings have played were against three of the top teams in the NBA so far this season. The Sonics are the first team the Kings have played that has a losing record since the Kings defeated the Grizzlies last week.

The Sonics don’t lead the league in scoring but they are averaging more than 102 points per contest. The Sonics are led by Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. They are averaging 26.5 and 23.8 points respectively on the season. The other key to the Sonics offense is the improved shooting percentage of Luke Ridnour. He is averaging 15.5 points per game on 50 percent shooting from the field and 45 percent shooting from long range.

The Kings plan to counter the Sonics running with their clamp down defense. They have to. In the past three losses, the Kings have given up an average of 111 points. The Kings also need to find their shooting touch for the entire game. Against the Jazz the Kings started out hot and finished cool. Tonight it will be important for the Kings to find their stroke early and continue to move the ball like they did Wednesday when they passed for 20 assists.