DeMarcus Cousins Takes a Shot Against Atlanta. Photo Credit: Rocky Widner/NBAE/Getty Images

The Sacramento Kings prepare to face the Atlanta Hawks tonight after a very lob-sided loss the other evening against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Atlanta was missing two of its starters Wednesday during their previous game against Golden State, as they have both been battling a stomach virus that has made its way around the league. Al Horford and Devin Harris are both questionable tonight due to the virus.

Sacramento will be at full strength tonight as they regain the services of DeMarcus Cousins, Isaiah Thomas, and Francisco Garcia. Only Aaron Brooks remains questionable as Kings’ head coach Keith Smart plans to allow for the appropriate amount of time for Brooks’ ankle to fully heal. Brooks injured the ankle in the first seven minutes against Portland; and while he warmed up before the start of the second half, was held out of the game by Smart. Both Cousins and Thomas are scheduled to return to the Kings’ lineup this evening.

The Kings will need to play solid basketball and try to salvage the season, while eliminating the mistakes and mental lapses that have taken place in the first eight games. The Kings must play tight defense while being the aggressors on the offensive end. They need to take advantage of the Hawks, who are playing their fourth road game in a row, and have been away from home for the last nine days.

The Kings will more than likely continue to allow Brooks to rest the ankle and play Jimmer Fredette more extended minutes. Fredette has started to become more aggressive looking for his shot, while still finding his teammates.

If the Kings can manage to come out aggressive, and make easy baskets, while limiting turnovers and mental lapses, they will have a very good chance of beating a Hawks team on the last game of its road trip.

Probable Starters

Kings

No. Player Pos.

22 Isaiah Thomas G

13 Tyreke Evans G

52 James Johnson F

34 Jason Thompson F

15 DeMarcus Cousins C

Hawks

No. Player Pos.

0 Jeff Teague G

26 Kyle Korver G

92 Deshawn Stevenson F

5 Josh Smith F

15 Al Horford C