NBA Power Rankings, Jan. 9 Edition: A New Face At The Top
By Phil Watson
23. Sacramento Kings (11-22)
Last Week: 1-2 Previous Ranking: 23 Landry Closer To Return: Power forward Carl Landry appears to be getting closer to a return from a torn hip flexor, according to Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com:
Kings F Carl Landry participates in 3-on-3 for first time since injury. According to source, he's still a few weeks away from returning.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 8, 2014
Landry was hurt during the preseason and has yet to play for Sacramento since his return to the team as a free agent on a four-year, $26 million deal last summer. Coach Michael Malone was more optimistic in his take on Landry’s return, telling SB Nation’s Blake Ellington (via Twitter), “He’s getting real, real close.” Landry could compete for Jason Thompson’s starting spot once he’s healthy.
The Week That Was: The Kings lost to the 76ers 113-104 on Thursday, lost to the Bobcats 113-103 on Saturday and beat the Trail Blazers 123-119 on Tuesday.
The Numbers: 45% FG, 36.4% 3PT, 71.7% FT (26th), 50.3 RPG (4th), 15.7 TOPG, 110 PPG (4th)
The Opponents: 47.9% FG (t-25th), 39.3% 3PT (26th), 76.7% FT, 45.3 RPG, 13.3 TOPG, 115 PPG (30th)
The Leaders: DeMarcus Cousins 31.3 PPG, Cousins 12.7 RPG, Isaiah Thomas 7.7 APG, Cousins 2.3 SPG, Derrick Williams 1.3 BPG, Jason Thompson 11-for-15 (73.3%) FG, Rudy Gay 3-for-6 (50%) 3PT
Don’t! Shooters: Thomas 21-for-49 (42.9%) FG, Ben McLemore 1-for-7 (14.3%) 3PT