The Sacramento Kings were invited to the Orlando bubble and are among six non-playoff teams in attendance. The team started the season slowly and dealt with a lot of injuries to their starting lineup early in the year. With high expectations going into this season, the Kings have been disappointing during the Luke Walton coaching era.
However, the team is currently 3.5 games behind the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies and could sneak into the playoffs if they string some wins together during the remainder of the regular season.
July 31st vs. San Antonio Spurs: Win
The season’s suspension been a blessing in disguise for the Kings. Marvin Bagley has been out for most of the season with multiple injuries, and many thought his season was over by the time February rolled around. But the four months that were added to his recovery time has Bagley healthy enough to help his team in the bubble. Expect the second overall pick from the 2018 draft class to revive his career in Orlando.
August 2nd vs. Orlando Magic: Win
A complete surprise this year has been the emergence of Bogdan Bogdanovic. He claimed a starting forward spot when Bagley went down with an injury and has been terrific for the team, spreading the floor with Buddy Hield. The Kings should cruise to a win here.
August 4th vs. Dallas Mavericks: Loss
The Kings have talented defenders like Harrison Barnes who can defend many styles of wing players. De’Aaron Fox is also one of the fastest players in the NBA. But even with these great defensive traits, it will be hard for them to stop both Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis.
August 6th vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Loss
Although the Kings may have started off hot, the restart of the NBA involves many teams competing to make the playoffs. The Pelicans struggled without Zion Williamson, but once he returned they quickly caught up to the eighth seed. Both teams want that final playoff spot, but unfortunately for the Kings the Pelicans have more firepower.
August 7th vs. Brooklyn Nets: Win
De’Aaron Fox is a great young point guard, and he’ll be reminding everyone of that fact once the season starts again. Without four of their starters, the Nets will struggle. Their only hope for a win is if Caris LeVert has a big night. But with Fox and Barnes in the lineup, the Kings should lock down Brooklyn’s best offensive player.
August 9th vs. Houston Rockets: Loss
Though the Kings are a decent defensive team, they will struggle against the duo of James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Westbrook is a freak athlete and will physically dominate Fox.
August 11th vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Win
With the playoffs on the line, expect the Kings to rise to the occasion. They may have lost their first matchup against New Orleans, but they’re ready to bounce back this time. Fox and Hield should have memorable games here as they try to revitalize the Kings’ playoff hopes.
August 13th vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Loss
Lebron James will not allow the Kings to win this game. If the Lakers still look rusty after the past several games, expect James to look like his old playoff self. Even at age 35, it will be hard for Sacramento to guard him. Barnes will struggle and the Kings will have to double-team James, allowing either Anthony Davis or another Laker to step up.
The Kings will finish their season with a 4-4 record. Unless the Grizzlies flop dramatically, Sacramento will probably miss the postseason. If Portland, New Orleans or San Antonio do not have a better record than the Kings during the restart, it’s possible Sacramento could earn a spot in a play-in tournament for the eighth seed. Either way, the Kings have a promising future.
