A look at the Kings' opponents this week: Today, at Lakers
Time: 6:30 p.m. TV: CSN.
The skinny: Another week begins without Kevin Martin and Francisco García, whose respective injuries (Martin left ankle sprain, García right calf strain) have proven to be far worse than originally thought. And here come the Lakers, who are 10-1 and looking every bit the title contender they were supposed to be.
Monday, at Portland
Time: 7 p.m. TV: CSN.
The skinny: No need to send an advance scout to evaluate the Blazers, as the Kings gathered all the evidence they needed about Portland on Friday. A shooting barrage at Arco Arena included six Blazers scoring in double figures and the squad shooting 55.6 percent overall.
Wednesday, vs. New Jersey
Time: 7 p.m. TV: CSN.
The skinny: First and foremost, it's the Ryan Anderson homecoming. The Oak Ridge High School and Cal product returns as the rookie who looks more than worthy of being a first-round pick (21st overall). But point guard Devin Harris is the one turning heads nationally. Having been traded for Jason Kidd in the swap with Dallas last season, he's averaging 23.9 points on 46.6 percent shooting and 5.8 assists.
Friday, at Utah
Time: 6 p.m. TV: CSN.
The skinny: The Kings, as it appears, will be the unlucky ones. While the Jazz has been without dazzling point guard Deron Williams for all but two games this season because of an ankle injury, he has targeted Wednesday's game against Memphis for his return. Thus, he'll be back in the flow by the time the Kings visit.
Saturday, vs. Dallas
Time: 7 p.m. TV: CSN.
The skinny: Just as owner Mark Cuban was taking a PR hit for his alleged insider trading, his team's stock was crashing as the Mavericks started 2-7. But they've won four in a row since, downing New York, Charlotte, Houston and Memphis. The turnaround began even one game before the winning streak, when a two-point loss to Orlando included a 24-point outing from Dirk Nowitzki. In the last four games, he has averaged 30 points.
– Sam Amick
FIRE AND ICE
Sam Amick offers a quick analysis of who starred and who struggled last week.
ON FIRE
C Spencer Hawes
Aside from Hawes' 1-of-6 shooting against San Antonio on Nov. 16, the offense everyone knows is there remained and the intangibles did, too. He hit a combined 17 of 29 shots in his past three games, his rebounding has mostly maintained (he is tied for second on the team at 7.1 per game), and – entering Saturday – his 27 blocks were fourth in the league.
ON ICE
G Quincy Douby
His week began with the second missed game-winning shot attempt in as many games (against San Antonio), and it only got worse. Douby, who received rare extended playing time in light of the injuries, went 0 for 9 from the field against Memphis before not playing against New Orleans. He hit both of his shots for four points in 12 minutes Friday against Portland.
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