Greetings, fellow discouraged Kings fans.
The fact we're still here means we're ready for some kind of 12-step program. But here we are... and there they are in Portland, getting ready for what I hope will be a better outcome than their last three outings.
Anyway, here's what Sam Amick had to say about tonight's matchup (excerpted from his Kings Notes posted in a separate thread):
I'll be honest.
I don't have much confidence that the Kings will go out and play two halves of consistent basketball. The only hope for us is if the Kings do NOT go into the locker room at half-time. They should remain resolute on the bench and not partake of the Prozac kool-aid.
I hope to be home from work in time for the start of the game.
Once, now and forever...GO KINGS!!!
The fact we're still here means we're ready for some kind of 12-step program. But here we are... and there they are in Portland, getting ready for what I hope will be a better outcome than their last three outings.
Anyway, here's what Sam Amick had to say about tonight's matchup (excerpted from his Kings Notes posted in a separate thread):
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/106867.html
Kings (14-18) at Portland (14-23)
KINGS OUTLOOK - Mike Bibby is shooting like Mike Bibby again. Brad Miller is making shots and finding cutters on passes. Ron Artest isn't letting shots go in rapid fire as he was early this season, and Kevin Martin remains his efficient self. So what's the problem? A humming Kings offense is being negated by atrocious defense that has allowed an average of 117 points in the past three games and 105.1 in the past nine games. Whether it's the knee problem or other influences, Artest isn't playing Artest defense, and it remains a roster with few standout defenders beyond swingman John Salmons.
TRAIL BLAZERS OUTLOOK - For a short time, the Blazers had the look of a team on the rise. They won six of eight games in a stretch that ended Dec. 20, only to drop nine of their past 11 in a return to last season's form. Still, they're only a victory behind last season's pace after 37 games. But the youthful and athletic group continues to struggle scoring, save for the 110 points against the Kings in an overtime victory Saturday. They are ranked 28th in scoring with an average of 92 points per game, the most recent loss a 99-74 drubbing by Dallas on Wednesday.
KEY MATCHUP - Ron Artest vs. Brandon Roy - Artest vs. LeBron James was the last key matchup, but the Kings small forward isn't alone in losing that battle. Roy, however, had much success (23 points) against Artest in the last meeting, though Artest claimed pride over the fact the rookie scored mostly on jump shots rather than drives.
PROBABLE STARTERS
Kings - Bibby, Martin, Artest, Thomas, Miller
Trail Blazers - Jack, Roy, Udoka, Randolph, Przybilla
I'll be honest.
I don't have much confidence that the Kings will go out and play two halves of consistent basketball. The only hope for us is if the Kings do NOT go into the locker room at half-time. They should remain resolute on the bench and not partake of the Prozac kool-aid.
I hope to be home from work in time for the start of the game.
Once, now and forever...GO KINGS!!!