Preview: With new coach and Minnesota's own Dave Joerger now at the helm, the Kings have opened the season winning by 19 points at Phoenix on Wednesday and losing by eight at home to San Antonio on Thursday in the franchise's first game at their new, downtown Golden 1 Center. Saturday's game will be their second at the $557 million technology marvel. The Kings hired Joerger, the former Memphis Grizzlies coach, to replace George Karl last spring. … A Wolves assistant last season, Bryan Gates is now a Kings assistant coach. … The Wolves swept the season series last year 4-0 and are 4-3 in their past seven visits to Sacramento. The Kings last beat them at home on April 7, 2015, at their former home, Sleep Train Arena.
Players to watch: Kings C DeMarcus Cousins is averaging 30.5 points and 11 rebounds and shooting both 50 percent from the floor and the three-point line in the two-time All-Star's first two games of the young season. Cousins' 37 points and 16 rebounds against the Spurs on Thursday gave him his 10th career 35-15 game. He is the 10th player to do that since 1983, a list that includes Shaquille O'Neal (52 times), Tim Duncan (12) and Dwight Howard (12) … Wolves F Andrew Wiggins is averaging 24. 9 points in seven career games against the Kings. He started the season by scoring 25 points — but only two in the fourth quarter — Wednesday … Former Wolves F Anthony Tolliver now is with the Kings.
Injuries: Neither team reports any injuries.
JERRY ZGODA
