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		Kings in trouble Artest suspended for Game 2 by Joe Cronin and Ken Gimblin April 24, 2006
	Sacramento Kings' Ron Artest sits on the bench during the fourth quarter of their Western Conference playoff game in NBA basketball action against the San Antonio Spurs in San Antonio April 22, 2006. Artest was suspended one game without pay for hitting Manu Ginobili in the head with his forearm in the game. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
	The Sacramento Kings will be missing Ron Artest on Tuesday night at SBC Center, who was suspended for one game, after elbowing Manu Ginobili on the head. The Spurs if they ever demonstrate any might they did so last Saturday night with a 34 point whipping on the Kings 122-88. Mike Bibby was top scorer for the night with 18 points and Artest netted 16 points. The Kings went into deep discussions on Sunday that normally doesn't include General Manager Geoff Petrie, but in practice Monday Petrie not only watched practice but in the team meeting, and listened to Head Coach Rick Adleman go over the plays and charts with the Kings. Artest was expected to have a big role Tuesday night. Artest noted for his defense since coming over to Sacramento, has been told the Spurs use an aggressive style of pass off and even no look passing just for the benefit of getting inside. Artest was suspended for the duration of last season when he went into the stands in Auburn Hills to attack a fan who had thrown a cup of beer at him. Artest was with the Indiana Pacers at the time. Artest played a big role in the Kings just making it to the playoffs this year. The Spurs are so talent thick with guys like Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Nazr Mohammed, and Nick Van Exel that they as a team unit will have to defend and watch for the Spurs inside work to shut them off from throwing it down, putting up 16 footers, or anything resembling getting to the hoop for a rally. Petrie says you cant depend on just two guys like Bibby and Artest to carry the club this is going to be a total team effort. "If you look at the Spurs stats, see them in action live, study their film and video plays, you're in awe of the Spurs we'll be ready for them." said Petrie. What the Kings have is a team that couldn't do anything to stop the Spurs offense on Saturday night and the Spurs on defense doubled teamed Bibby and Artest just to let the Kings know they can afford to do that with the talent they have. "In the NBA when a team is as good as the Spurs and they double team you they can afford to shut down you're top scorers because their three defensemen can handle everyone else now that's talent." said Petrie. Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich knows a thing or two about Artest and Bibby. Popovich still watches lots of film on the Kings and knows they worked very hard to just get the last spot in the NBA Western Conference and can turn it on anytime on any night. "The Kings have some weapons that can come out and get the ball to the hoop and Bibby and Artest are two of their high profile guys. I just tell our guys don't turn your back, on any night things could be more difficult than you expect." said Popovich . JC and Kenny G's hoop happening notes: After practice Sunday some of the Kings went to look around San Antonio's scenic Riverwalk which features many shops, restaurants, and the Alamo which which is located right in the middle of the Riverwalk across the street from where the Kings stay. San Antonio is a relatively small downtown the SBC Center is just up the street from the Riverwalk and for the players it's therapeutic to get a chance to have a couple of days off between games and get their thoughts together and enjoy some great Southwestern food. Wait till the Spurs get a load of Old Sacramento. The relaxation ends Monday night as the Kings gear up for the Spurs in game two Tuesday night at the SBC Center. Spurs-Kings best of seven schedule: Game #1 San Antonio 122 Sacramento 88 Game #2 Tuesday Sacramento @ San Antonio 6:30PM Game #3 Friday San Antonio @ Sacramento 7:00PM Game #4 April 30 San Antonio @ Sacramento 7PM Game #5 May 2 Sacramento @ San Antonio TBA Game #6 May 5 San Antonio @ Sacramento TBA Game #7 May 7 Sacramento @ San Antonio TBA Joe Cronin and Ken Gimblin co-host Sportstalk on 1690 KFSG Sacramento each weekend and are covering the NBA Playoffs. Quotes used here provided by KABB FOX 29 San Antonio in High Definition.