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Preview
New York takes on Sacramento in Madison Square Garden. This is the first match up of the season between these two teams. Game 2 is set for March 9th in Golden 1.

Last 5
Kings (4-1)
Knicks (3-2) - currently riding a three game winning streak

Match up Predictor
ESPN analytics gives the Knicks a 58.4% chance of winning this game

Standings
as of this write up the Kings sit fifth in the Western Conference, the Knicks eighth in the Eastern Conference.

INJURIES: For the Kings, De'Aaron Fox (foot) and Keegan Murray (left thumb) are Day to Day, Terrance Davis (back) is OUT. For the Knicks, Obi Toppin (knee) and Ryan Arcidiacono (ankle) are OUT.

Team Stats
Team Defensive rating:
Knicks 17th (112.0)
Kings 19th (112.2)

Team Offensive rating:
Kings 5th (115.7)
Knicks 13th (112.3)

Pace:
Kings 6th (102.14)
Knicks 13th (100.18)

TS%
Kings 2nd (60.8)
Knicks 24th (55.6)

Team Leaders
Points:
Fox 22.8
Randle 22.1

Rebounds:
Sabonis 11.3
Randle 8.7

Assists:
Sabonis 6.5
Brunson 6.4

Fun fact: The Kings are averaging 128 ppg against opponents who rank 15-30 in defensive rating. As stated above, Knicks rank 17th . Now the caveat here is Fox played in those games so we will see if the offense can keep humming IF Fox is out.

Heard TD was available.

Need Huerter to find his shot quickly or this could get ugly.

Seems to be a lid on the bucket right now. Need to step up the defense until the shots start to fall.

Too many turnovers, shots aren't falling, and everyone appears to be playing without energy. Not a good sign.

Randle, the perennial Kings killer

Badly need Fox's scoring back Tuesday as I can't even imagine the feast Embiid will have against us.

They weren't ready to play. Came out completely flat and they're still trying to find rhythm. This lead isn't insurmountable if they wake up.

Domas dropping some dimes but we just can't hit any jumpers. Get the lead under 10 by the half and we'll still be in this but these shots need to start falling.

I haven't seen Tibs in a minute. He's looking like gru

Ok Sabonis and Murray are awake, who wants to join them?

holy hell is this game off at half time

every time we even attempt to make a run...

Is it worth trying Holmes as an additional rebounder...just getting killed on the boards

Randle hit his season high at halftime lol. Pathetic

Lost in LA wrote:Is it worth trying Holmes as an additional rebounder...just getting killed on the boards

I don't want Holmes or Sabonis on Randle on the perimeter

OMG Randle

These night are going to happen, just can't make them a habit.

What an ugly game.