New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings Will Be A Spectacle
By kellanmiller
@KellanMiller
Isaiah J. Downing- USA TODAY Sports
There are many good shows on television, as critics and viewers agree that we are living in the golden age of television. In a world where shows like ‘Homeland,’ ‘Louie’ and ‘Portlandia,’ television viewing has become a well-respected art form that doesn’t immediately conjure up images of a slob sitting on the couch gorging on Papa John’s. Nevertheless, the biggest television spectacle occurring this week will be the showdown between the Sacramento Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans.
In other words, Anthony Davis vs. Demarcus “Boogie” Cousins is must-see T.V.
Davis is absolutely dominating the league right now, and many words have been written attesting to this very same fact. However, Cousins has transformed himself into a franchise player this year and he is playing phenomenal basketball. To be fair, Cousins has always been exceptional, it’s just that this year he has strayed away from off-the-court shenanigans, on-the-court attempts to choke Chris Paul, and being a locker room distraction.
The Kings have not been relevant in approximately 300 years, so it’s exciting to see Cousins finally realize his full potential. He is currently 23.2 PPG and 12.3 rebounds per game. Along with Ben McLemore, Carl Landry, Darren Collison and Rudy Gay, the Kings are not only relevant again, but serious contenders to squeeze into an 8th-seed playoff berth when all is said and done.
The Pelicans are not interested in missing the playoffs this year. They have compiled their greatest team in years, and like the Kings, will most likely be fighting for one of the lower seeds in the playoffs come spring. Both teams know the stakes, and as I’ve mentioned before, individual wins and losses actually count in the Western Conference.
There is also some bad blood, which I anticipate will bode well for the Pelicans. The Kings decided to give up on Tyreke Evans because he wasn’t LeBron James when they drafted him in the first round. Additionally, Jimmer Fredette was initially shipped off to the Chicago Bulls after the Kings gave him about 30 seconds of playing time per game, if he was lucky. But that’s in the past now, and both players have found a better home with the Pelicans. I anticipate they will prove as much tonight, especially in the case of Evans.
The real battle will be down low. As of this post, Omer Asik is not expected to play, so in absence, Davis will have to be more MVP like than normal. We currently live in a world of soft centers, who, despite their size, play like point guards. Cousins is not one of those guys.
Enough with the chit chat, let’s get to the heart of the matter. Tomorrow, make sure the DVR is working properly so you won’t miss all your mindless scripted television. Don’t wait and be one of “those guys,” catching up with Sportcenter to see the inevitable highlight show that will be happening.
Kellan Miller is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @KellanMiller, “like” him on Facebook, or add him on Google Plus.
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