Chicago Bulls vs. Sacramento Kings: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info

A few years ago a regular season game between the Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings would be unwatchable, but with players like Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans gracing the court now, that is far from the case.

It's still early in the season, but both teams would really like a win here coming in at 1-1.

The lockout shortened season changes everything, and every game is extremely important.

The Bulls got a very impressive opening day win against the Lakers, but then dropped a game the very next day at Golden State.

Sacramento also beat the Lakers in a rather impressive win, but then lost the next day to the Trail Blazers.

Both teams have a great win over the Lakers and a disappointing loss, so this game will go a long ways in defining the tone of the early season.

Where: Power Balance Pavilion, Sacramento, CA

When: Thu. Dec. 29. 10 p.m. EST

Watch: CSNS, NBA League Pass

Listen: ESPN 1000 WMPV AM Chicago; KHTX Sports 1140 AM Sacramento

Stream: nba.com/leaguepass

Betting Line (via bovada.com): Bulls -7 1/2 

Key Injuries: No significant injuries via ESPN.com

What's At Stake?

At this point of the season the only thing that's at stake is a good start, which actually means a lot.

For the Kings there may be a little bit more at stake, considering they are the underdogs, but have the chance to go 2-0 at home and perhaps start somewhat of a home-court advantage.

What They're Saying: Nick Friedell of ESPNChicago.com writes that the Bulls feel they need to push the ball a bit more and run the court to get easier baskets.

Sean Cunningham of news10.net reports that the Kings used their day off in between their loss to Portland and this showdown with the Bulls to fine tune and work on things like transition defense. They feel they need to really bounce back from their bad loss to Portland.

Bulls Player To Watch:

Luol Deng has been incredible so far this season, notching 21 points and seven rebounds against the Lakers, and then 22 points and 10 rebounds against Golden State.

With a superstar like Derrick Rose getting a ton of defensive attention, a scoring threat like Deng is going to be the X-factor in this game.

He clearly wins the battle of the small forwards going against John Salmons.

Kings Player To Watch:

Point guard Tyreke Evans scored 20 points in the Kings' opening-night win, but then had a horrible showing with just four points against Portland.

If the Kings want to win this game, he's going to have to be their star.

Key Matchup:

The matchup between the two former Memphis star point guards is going to be the one you want to keep your eye one.

Rose is the reigning league MVP, and with career averages of 19 points, 5.6 assists and five rebounds a game, Evans isn't half bad himself.

These are the two stars on the court, and the game will come down to which of them can shine the brightest.

Prediction:

The Kings are young and athletic and could become a great story this season, but I have to put my stock in the reigning MVP's team.

Bulls: 95 Kings: 89