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San Antonio Spurs – Sacramento Kings Preview – 02.24.2016

The San Antonio Spurs (45-8) will attempt to keep their six-game winning streak alive when they take on the Sacramento Kings (22-31) at Sleep Train Arena. Action begins at 10:30 pm ET on Wednesday, Feb. 24 and can be seen on ESP, CSA and SA2.

The Kings enter this game hoping for similar success after topping the 76ers 114-110 in their last matchup. Rajon Rondo was a key piece, recording his 27th double-double of the season with 14 points and 15 assists. The Spurs, meanwhile, are coming off a 98-96 win against the Magic in their last game. Kawhi Leonard was the game’s top scorer, accounting for 29 points on 12-for-19 shooting.

Darren Collison has taken his game to another level over the last five games for the Kings. During that stretch, he has averaged 19.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.4 three-pointers. LaMarcus Aldridge has upped his play for the Spurs. In the same five-game span, he is averaging 25.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks.

When examining effective field goal percentage, the Spurs appear to have a noticeable advantage on the offensive side. They’re ranked second in the NBA in that category at 53.5%, while Sacramento’s suspect effective field goal percentage defense ranks only 27th as opponents are hitting 52.1%.

This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Spurs winning the first matchup 106-88. Leonard was the game’s top overall scorer with 24 points.

Notes

When the Kings give up fewer than 100 points to their opponents, they are 9-3. When the Spurs score fewer than 100 points, they also have a winning record (11-6).

The Sacramento Kings have a losing 13-28 record in games where they have allowed at least 100 points. The San Antonio Spurs are 34-2 when they hit triple digits.

The Spurs have the league’s top defense, with a defensive rating of 95.7. The Kings have an offensive rating of 103.9 (ranked 11th).

The Sacramento Kings average 103.1 possessions per game and 1.039 points per possession, while the San Antonio Spurs earn fewer possessions (95.6) but more points per possession (1.099).

The San Antonio Spurs have one of the best effective field goal percentages this season, ranking second in the league with an EFF% of 53.5%. When their opponents record a similar or higher EFF%, the Sacramento Kings have an abysmal 5-18 record.

The San Antonio Spurs, ranked third in the NBA, average 25.2 assists per game. The Sacramento Kings make 25.0 assists (ranked fourth).

The Sacramento Kings average 4.5 blocks per game for a rank of 20th. The San Antonio Spurs rank higher (sixth), earning 5.9 blocks each contest.

The Sacramento Kings are a top-15 offensive rebounding team, currently ranked 10th for the season. The San Antonio Spurs rank near the very top (third) in defensive rebounding.

The Sacramento Kings rank seventh in steals, with an average of 8.6 per game. When the San Antonio Spurs allow at least 8 steals, they have a fantastic 15-4 record.

Written by GMS Previews

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