Statistically, the Kings and the Trail Blazers are almost identical.

While the Kings score a little bit more at 100.0 points per game, they also give up 106.0 points (27th in the league) and neither team is known for their rebounding prowess. The Trail Blazers grab 38.5 rebounds per game (29th in the league) which slightly edges the Kings’ 38.1 rebounds (30th in the league).

Both teams feature a young stud at shooting guard. Kings guard Kevin Martin is currently fourth in the NBA with his 25.6 points per game while Brandon Roy has led the Trail Blazers with his 19.4 points per game.

Beyond Martin, Kings small forward Ron Artest has returned to his old self after having somewhat of a letdown season last year. Artest has averaged 23.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists in the four games he’s played this season.

The biggest surprise for Reggie Theus and the Kings has been the play of point guard Beno Udrih. With Mike Bibby out with a torn ligament in his thumb, Beno Udrih has been thrust into the starting lineup and essentially been given the keys to a well-tuned Kings offense. Udrih has responded with a team-high 4.0 assists per game and added a steady 13.0 points for good measure.

More than anything, the Trail Blazers need to stuff the Kings running game and force them to operate out of the half-court offense. Udrih is not the same type of one-on-one creator that Mike Bibby is and the Kings offense tends to stall when they are forced to slow it down.

If Artest decides to defend Brandon Roy, as expected, point guard Steve Blake and small forward Martell Webster will need to carry more of the offensive load. When healthy, Artest is one of the best one-on-one defenders in the league.

Grab some leftovers, smother them with gravy, and pull up a chair because this game has “Big One” written all over it!

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