The NBA 2015 Season continues and on Tuesday, November 3, a highly-anticipated match between two of the best big men in basketball is scheduled.
However, that face-off may have to wait as it was confirmed that DeMarcus Cousins will not be able to play. Rotowire reported that the Kings center has injured his Achilles and this was confirmed by Sean Cunningham of ABC in a tweet.
"Kings C DeMarcus Cousins will not play next 2 games for sure. Was at practice today getting treatment."
The Memphis Grizzlies just came from a a 50-point demolition from the Golden State Warriors. As Rotowire pointed out, they have a 2-2 record, but their losses were demoralizing.
"Memphis' two wins came against teams who finished below .500 last season, and their two losses have been blowouts to the two teams in the NBA Finals from last year. In those two losses, they lost by a combined 80 points and averaged just 72.5 points per game."
In contrast, the Kings have a worse win-loss record at 1-2 but they were close games. They were able to flex their muscles against the Los Angeles Lakers, but their loss to the Clippers hurt more because DeMarcus Cousins got injured.
Still, the consensus is Sacramento on a +5 spread, meaning most oddsmakers believe that the Grizzlies would eke out a win, but only within 5 points.
Of course, it would have been different if DeMarcus Cousins were playing-and this is why it is best to be updated.
The projected starting lineups for the Memphis Grizzlies:
PG Mike Conley
SG Courtney Lee
SF Tony Allen
PF Zach Randolph
C Marc Gasol
The projected starting lineups for the Sacramento Kings:
PG Rajon Rondo
SG Ben McLemore
SF Rudy Gay
PF Kosta Koufos
C Willie Cauley-Stein
The Grizzlies might take out their frustration on the Kings, taking advantage of the hole in the middle. But the rookie is no slump. It's a baptism of fire for rookie Willie Cauley-Stein as he goes up against the NBA's best center last year.