Marcus Thornton drives on Klay Thompson

The Sacramento Kings will try to end their losing streak tonight against a young Portland Trail Blazers team who is also searching for an identity.

The Kings will be without the services of DeMarcus Cousins, who is serving the second game of his two game suspension for having a “hostile” conversation with San Antonio Spurs Announcer Sean Elliott. Thomas Robinson will return to the line-up tonight, as he prepares to start in place of Jason Thompson, who will be starting at center for DeMarcus Cousins.

The Kings have an opportunity to get back into the win column tonight as they prepare to play a Trail Blazers team that has yet to find a consistent offensive strategy. The Kings will have to take advantage of their depth, and will need to control the tempo of the game.

The Kings must limit Damian Lillard’s opportunities to drive to the rim, and make him pass the ball. LaMarcus Aldridge has given the Kings trouble in recent years, and without Cousins, Aldridge will almost certainly look to have a big impact on tonight’s contest. If the Kings can slow down Aldridge and Lillard, they have a great chance to walk away with a win tonight.

Probable Starters

Kings

No. Player Pos.

22 Isaiah Thomas G

13 Tyreke Evans G

52 James Johnson F

0 Thomas Robinson F

34 Jason Thompson C

Trail Blazers

No. Player Pos.

0 Damian Lillard G

2 Wesley Mathews G

88 Nicolas Batum F

12 LaMarcus Aldridge F

21 J.J. Hickson C