After an absurdly long wait between games, it’s finally time for the Kings second preseason game. The Kings host the Portland Trail Blazers for Sacramento’s preseason home opener.
When: Sunday, October 9, 6:00 PM PT
Where: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
The big question for tonight’s game with be the starting lineup and bench rotations. With Kevin Huerter penciled in as the starting shooting guard, the starting power forward spot is still up for grabs. Mike Brown indicated he may not have a permanent starter at the four and may instead choose each game’s starter based on matchups. The competition appears to be between Keegan Murray and KZ Okpala.
The Kings may also be a little shorthanded in the second unit, as Richaun Holmes missed the last few practices with a non-COVID illness. We should know later today if he’ll be available to play, but it sounds unlikely and even if he does play he may not be 100%.
On Portland’s side, I’ll be excited to watch Shaedon Sharpe. A mystery man leading up to the draft, he played well in Portland’s game against Maccabi Ra’anana. I’ll be interested to see how he fares against the Kings.
Looking forward to it! Am really interested to see how the starters fare, after looking somewhat clunky against the Lakers. I’m expecting them to look better today, since they’re playing a worse defensive team and have had some more practice time under their belt.
The Blazers, our play-in rival;
Like us, they look for a revival.
But no sixteen-year shame—
And they’re getting back Dame—
Have to pray for our hopes’ survival!
Jman I can’t believe you used one of your best for a preseason game. Well done.
Tune in for the prequel to the real deal on 19 October.
Is this the Better Call Saul to a season’s Breaking Bad?
So I feel the rough consensus is this Blazers squad is likely the Kings biggest rival for the #10 spot. So let’s compare:
Starters
Kings: Fox, Huerter, Barnes, Murray (likely), Sabonis
PDX: Lillard, Simons, Hart, Grant, Nurkic
Who has the edge? I feel this is a bit of a push. When healthy these starters feel pretty evenly matched to me.
Bench
Kings: Mitchell, Monk, Holmes, Lyles, TD, Metu, KZ, Delly(?)
PDX: Payton II, Little, Watford, Eubanks, Winslow, Sharpe
I fell the Kings clearly have the edge here with solid rotational players and fringe starters in Mitchell, Monk, and Holmes. The same can’t be said for the Blazers.
Coach
Brown vs. Billups. I have to give it to Brown here with experience and past successes.
Better on paper! That’s… something!!!
And possibly something that no one has ever said out loud before
been a long wait. Kind of cool that they had such a long break between these 2 games. I’d think it would be a good thing. Almost like a 2nd training camp. 🤷♂️
I agree, there’s probably a big benefit to having a game to try some things and then multiple practice days to review what worked and what didn’t.
Let’s beat them Blazers, Sabonis!
Anyone else getting no sound on the hulu feed?
Huerter for a future protected first and a couple bench warmers was such a finesse.
Badge Legend