GAMEDAY PREVIEW: Thunder Host Struggling Kings

Oklahoma City will be back at home tonight as they host the Sacramento Kings (7-14) at 6 p.m. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming matchup:

Will the skid end?

The Thunder (11-8) are riding a two-game winning streak after falling on the road to both the Hawks and the Heat.  Those two losses are just another part of the up and down season the Thunder have had so far.

With Kevin Durant getting in rhythm since returning from injury, the Thunder will need to buckle down and start showcasing why many experts predicted them to win the Western Conference before the season started.  

The Kings are a team the Thunder should be able to defeat at home, and it’s crucial that OKC starts this week off the right way with daunting opponents such as Memphis, Atlanta and Utah on the horizon.

Can the Thunder contain Cousins?

Demarcus Cousins is one of the best young talents in the NBA, and is averaging 26.2 points per game to go with 10.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. Cousins can play with his back to the basket, and can also stretch the floor by knocking down the long-range jumper.

There have been rumors throughout the last six months that Cousins and Kings’ head coach George Karl don’t get along, so the Kings’ chemistry has been suspect throughout the season. It’ll be interesting to see if Cousins comes to play on Sunday night, and who will get the task of slowing him down. Don’t be surprised to see Steven Adams play more minutes than Enes Kanter for defensive purposes, while Ibaka should see some time covering Cousins as well.