Sonics welcome Kings to KeyArena

This is the third meeting of the season between the clubs. In the two previous contests, the Sonics defeated the Kings at home and at ARCO Arena. The teams will play once more this season, as Sacramento is scheduled to host Seattle on April 5th.

Seattle has won two straight and six of the last nine contests in this series. The Kings have lost two of three and three of their last five at Seattle.

The Kings come into tonight’s game off a tough loss. On Tuesday, Steve Nash poured in a season-high 33 points and handed out 17 assists, as the Phoenix Suns edged Sacramento, 125-123, at ARCO Arena.

Mike Bibby scored 27 points for the Kings, while teammate Chris Webber registered a triple-double with 24 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. Cuttino Mobley finished with 23 points and eight boards and Peja Stojakovic chipped in 20 points in the loss.

Webber has recorded a triple-double in consecutive games and has averaged 22 points, 11.5 rebounds and 11 assists in those contests.

Sacramento is 13-9 on the road this season. The Kings are 4-2 in their last six games as the visitor.

The SuperSonics, who play the finale of a three-game homestand, have won three straight contests overall. On Tuesday, Ray Allen led the way with 26 points, as Seattle continued its winning ways with a 108-91 victory over the New Orleans Hornets at KeyArena.

Vladimir Radmanovic posted 18 points, including a 4-of-6 effort from beyond the arc, in Tuesday’s victory for the SuperSonics, who have won six of their last eight overall.

Seattle is 28-1 when it allows under 100 points this season.

Earlier Tuesday, both Allen and Seattle forward Rashard Lewis were selected as reserves for the upcoming All-Star Game. For Allen, it will be his fifth All- Star appearance, while Lewis will make his debut at the mid-season classic.

The Sonics are 18-6 as the host this season. Seattle has won seven of its last 10 at KeyArena.