All you need to know about NBA India Games 2019
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the greatest basketball tournament on the planet. Meanwhile, the decision of the NBA committee to host pre-season matches in India, along with US President Donald Trump's desire to visit the Asian nation for the match, has somewhat gripped India in the basketball fever. As the two-day tournament prepares to get underway, here's all you need to know.
What matches will be held in NBA India Games 2019?
The NBA India Game 2019 is all set to host two matches between Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers on October 4 and 5, at the NSCI Dome in Mumbai from 6.30 PM (IST). The matches will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV. Tickets for the event can be booked on nbaevents.com or bookmyshow.com.
Some information about Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are one of the oldest franchises in NBA. Having been established in 1923, it has to date won the NBA Championship only on an occasion, in 1951. Apart from the Championship, they are also a one-time Conference winner (1951), besides three Division titles, in 1979, 2002 and 2003. They also share a rich rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kings in 2018-19 NBA season
Considering their performance in the previous season, it was not a healthy one. In the regular NBA season, they managed to finish third in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference, while they finished ninth in the overall Western Conference, failing to make it to the playoffs, just by a spot. Meanwhile, Marvin Bagley III made it to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Current squad for the Kings
Following is the Kings' current squad: Trevor Ariza, Marvin Bagley III, Harrison Barnes, Nemanja Bjelica, Bogdan Bogdanović, Dewayne Dedmon, Yogi Ferrell, De'Aaron Fox, Wenyen Gabriel, Harry Giles, Kyle Guy, Buddy Hield, Richaun Holmes, Justin James, Cory Joseph, Tyler Lydon, Isaiah Piñeiro, Caleb Swanigan, Tyler Ulis.
Some information about Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers were established in 1967 and have since managed to win three ABA Championships, while they are still in the hunt for their maiden NBA Championship. They also won the Conference title in 2000, while they have nine Division titles, including three in ABA and six in NBA. They are coached by Nate McMillan, while Bankers Life Fieldhouse is their home venue.
Pacers in 2018-19 NBA season
The Pacers, comparatively, had a better season in 2018-19 than the Kings, finishing in the second spot in the Central Division of Eastern Conference of the regular season. The finished fifth in the Eastern Conference table. However, they couldn't make past the opening round of the playoffs, losing 0-4 to the Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, Myles Turner led the table for most blocks per game.
Current squad for the Pacers
Following is Pacers' current squad: Goga Bitadze, Brian Bowen, Amida Brimah, Malcolm Brogdon, JaKeenan Gant, Aaron Holiday, Justin Holiday, Alize Johnson, Jeremy Lamb, TJ Leaf, TJ McConnell, Doug McDermott, Naz Mitrou-Long, Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis, JaKarr Sampson, Edmond Sumner, Myles Turner, TJ Warren, CJ Wilcox.
