KingKong
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Kings up next
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Tuesday, April 4, 2006
Kings (38-36) at Mavericks (55-19)
THE SKINNY
Site: American Airlines Center Tipoff: 5:30 p.m.
TV: Ch. 10
Radio: KHTK 1140, KAHI 950
Line: Mavericks by 6.
Kings update
Status: The Kings are rolling on the road - and this is no typo. It's no monster winning streak away from Arco Arena - three games - but it represents a season-high run. The Kings downed Utah, Portland and Golden State - hardly Detroit, San Antonio and Dallas - but will take any boost they can find to secure a playoff spot.
Trend: Balance remains the key, and now the Kings are as healthy as they have been all season. Shareef Abdur-Rahim is back to his old ways, Francisco García seems to be recovered from his ankle ailment, and Kevin Martin made his return from a thigh injury Sunday in the victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Injury report: None.
Mavericks
Status: They are again as good as any team in the NBA at home - 31-6, including 16-6 against the Western Conference. And Dallas showed it is beatable, losing three straight with a shortened bench caused by injuries before clobbering Denver on Sunday.
Trend: Dallas has become defensive this season under fiery coach Avery Johnson. In their victories, the Mavericks score an average of 101 points and allow 91. But when opponents manage 100 or more points, the Mavericks are 6-13, which brings Johnson's blood to a boil. Dirk Nowitzki has been superb this season, as has Jason Terry at point guard.
Injury report: Keith Van Horn, hand, out.
Best matchup: Bibby vs. Terry - Old college buddies go at it nine years after they steered Arizona to the NCAA championship. Bibby is the superior shooter, with Terry much quicker to the basket.
http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/v-print/story/14238706p-15059037c.html
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Tuesday, April 4, 2006
Kings (38-36) at Mavericks (55-19)
THE SKINNY
Site: American Airlines Center Tipoff: 5:30 p.m.
TV: Ch. 10
Radio: KHTK 1140, KAHI 950
Line: Mavericks by 6.
Kings update
Status: The Kings are rolling on the road - and this is no typo. It's no monster winning streak away from Arco Arena - three games - but it represents a season-high run. The Kings downed Utah, Portland and Golden State - hardly Detroit, San Antonio and Dallas - but will take any boost they can find to secure a playoff spot.
Trend: Balance remains the key, and now the Kings are as healthy as they have been all season. Shareef Abdur-Rahim is back to his old ways, Francisco García seems to be recovered from his ankle ailment, and Kevin Martin made his return from a thigh injury Sunday in the victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Injury report: None.
Mavericks
Status: They are again as good as any team in the NBA at home - 31-6, including 16-6 against the Western Conference. And Dallas showed it is beatable, losing three straight with a shortened bench caused by injuries before clobbering Denver on Sunday.
Trend: Dallas has become defensive this season under fiery coach Avery Johnson. In their victories, the Mavericks score an average of 101 points and allow 91. But when opponents manage 100 or more points, the Mavericks are 6-13, which brings Johnson's blood to a boil. Dirk Nowitzki has been superb this season, as has Jason Terry at point guard.
Injury report: Keith Van Horn, hand, out.
Best matchup: Bibby vs. Terry - Old college buddies go at it nine years after they steered Arizona to the NCAA championship. Bibby is the superior shooter, with Terry much quicker to the basket.
http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/v-print/story/14238706p-15059037c.html
