DeMarcus Cousins never meshed well with Paul Westphal and the second-year big man had lost his spot in the starting lineup after an alleged altercation in the locker room a few nights ago. With coach Westphal fired earlier on Thursday afternoon, new head coach Keith Smart, who reportedly worked well with Cousins in the preseason, has given the 21-year old center his spot back in the starting lineup.

DeMarcus Cousins said he is back in the starting lineup tonight.

— JasonJones (@mr_jasonjones) January 6, 2012

This is probably for the best. The Kings are determined to figure out a way to have Cousins succeed in Sacramento and he has a favorable matchup with Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut out for tonight's matchup. In addition to Cousins, Tyreke Evans, Marcus Thornton, John Salmons and Chuck Hayes are the other probable starters. Expect to see Jimmer Fredette, J.J. Hickson and Jason Thompson see a bulk of the minutes off the bench.

The Kings will face the Bucks tonight at Power Balance Pavilion with tipoff set for 7 p.m. For more on the team, head on over to Sactown Royalty.