fbpx
The Kings Herald

Independent Sacramento Kings Coverage. By Fans, For Fans. | Support Us On Patreon

Kings vs. Pelicans Preview: It’s a trap!

The Kings should, should, should have an easy one tonight.
By | 54 Comments | Nov 3, 2021

The Sacramento Kings are finally home. After a seven-day, four-game road trip that saw victories against the bottom-feeder New Orleans Pelicans and the floundering Phoenix Suns, as well as a pair of losses to the Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz, the Kings are back in the Golden 1 Center. They’ll face what may be their easiest on-paper matchup of the season, as the injury-riddled New Orleans Pelicans are in town and ripe for a blowout.

When: Wednesday, November 3rd, 7:00 PM PST

Where: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA

TV: NBCSCA – Mark Jones (play-by-play)

RadioKHTK Sports 1140 AM

For Your Consideration

Remember at the beginning of the greatest film of all time, Hook, when Mrs. Peter Pan is sitting in the stands at the baseball game with her son up to bat? Jack can’t hit a curveball to save his life (until he enters Neverland and suddenly can knock the ball into the literal atmosphere, and that’s only after Captain Hook’s encouragement, which probably says something about young Jack, but we digress). Moira Banning sits in the stands and chants over and over: “Please, not a curveball. Please, not a curveball. Please, not a curveball.”

After last night’s close loss to a Finals contender that saw just eight players hit the floor, I can’t help but chant in my head: Please, not a trap game. Please, not a trap game. Please, not a trap game. Because if the Kings should absolutely win one game on their calendar this season, it’s tonight’s contest against the Pelicans.

Through their first eight games of the year, New Orleans has posted the worst record in the NBA, currently sitting at 1-7, and they have yet to find success in any particular area. The Pelicans rank 23rd in offensive rating, 26th in defensive rating, and 27th in net rating. They’re not going to challenge you on defense, and their offense isn’t going to run anyone off of the court either. They just haven’t been very good, and that’s been with All-Star Brandon Ingram on the floor, who is likely out for tonight’s matchup. The Kings need to win this one.

Prediction

Luke Walton goes deeper into his bench on the second night of a back-to-back, Terence Davis finally hits more than 50% of his field goals, and the Kings use a balanced attack to blow out a bad team and get some of their heavy-minutes starters some much-needed rest.

Kings 119, Pelicans 94

Patreon Membership
* indicates required


To prevent spam, our system flags comments that include too many hyperlinks. If you would like to share a comment with multiple links, make sure you email editorial@kingsherald.com for it to be approved.

54 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
RandyBreuersNeckHair
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 10:28 am

Fox for Simmons, please.
Thank you.

andy_sims
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
November 3, 2021 10:30 am

Active player for absent player with no timetable for return, please.
You’re welcome.

RandyBreuersNeckHair
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 10:48 am
Reply to  andy_sims

Negative player for better absent player with immediate return, following trade. (Hopefully).
If Simmons’ camp has made it clear he wouldn’t play for Kings, then that changes the equation, obviously.
Talent for talent, it’s a no-brainer.
This isn’t hard.

andy_sims
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
November 3, 2021 4:38 pm

“Hopefully” doing a ton of heavy lifting, tho.

BeTheBall
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
November 3, 2021 5:33 pm

I’m not a fan of locker room cancers, with zero work ethic.

AnybodyButBagley
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 6:29 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

So according to you, Simmons is done playing all together?

Have any receipts?

That is a lot of nothing. Empty thoughts. No need for any lifting.

RobHessing
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Author
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Author
November 3, 2021 10:40 am

Fox, Woodard (or Ramsey) and a top ten protected 1st for Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard.

(Boston says no.)

RandyBreuersNeckHair
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 10:42 am
Reply to  RobHessing

That would work for me too!
Cheers, mate.

Carl
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
November 3, 2021 11:22 am

Fox for Simmons, please.

Fox has certainly been better, and I expect a breakout game from him tonight against little resistance. I know I’m late to the game on this, but I’m starting to have genuine questions about whether Fox and Simmons can play together, especially if you have 40% three point shooters going out the door for Simmons to come in. You run a real danger of a team with Simmons, Fox, Holmes, Len/Thompson in their rotation flat out not being able to score points, because half (or more) of your rotation can’t shoot.

There’s some recency bias here because Barnes and Hield have been holding this team together over the first 7 games. Without them, the Kings might be 1-6. I’m not advocating for doing nothing. This team needs talent. And I haven’t really come down for or against Simmons. I just wonder about a Fox/Simmons mix with shooters moving out in the process.

Last edited 3 years ago by Carl
RandyBreuersNeckHair
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 11:36 am
Reply to  Carl

The idea is to get rid of Fox for Simmons. They don’t work together.

SelecaoKOJ
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 2:09 pm
Reply to  Carl

Actually, I see the opposite. I see a team, The Pelicans desperate for a win.

Players that have some pride. I expect the Pels to throw the house at Fox.

Someone else will have to beat the Pels. Sometimes, When teams are desperate for a win, they will play harder, more focused, and more disciplined.

SelecaoKOJ
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 2:21 pm
Reply to  Carl

If the Kings move any guard, I think it will be Fox. I see Mitchell leading this team at the point. Move Buddy back to starting 2. Hali off the bench.

Unless you can get Reddish and Galinari for Buddy, Bags and a pick

TerzoM
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
November 3, 2021 10:30 am

A good game for Fox to turn it around, or later is fine as well in time for Feb 2022 trade deadlinecomment image

Last edited 3 years ago by TerzoM
andy_sims
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
November 3, 2021 10:33 am
Reply to  TerzoM

P.S. Sorry, epileptics!

andy_sims
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
November 3, 2021 10:32 am

Tim, I was really hoping you’d just copy and paste the preview from the last game, but with updated records. I’m trying to save you a fortune on electrons.

RobHessing
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Author
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Author
November 3, 2021 10:37 am

comment image

Sir_tajj
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 10:46 am

This next stretch should tell us all we need to know about this team. 3-4 against best talent, I get it, that’s good but they have played good against good teams in the past. If they take care of business in this up coming stretch, then we can remove the caution sign from optimistic.

TerzoM
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
November 3, 2021 10:56 am
Reply to  Sir_tajj

Good stretches has meant nothing in years past, as Kangz will follow right after. It may be better this year, we’ll see. I like Monte McNair, and I am wishing for big movements come Feb 2022.

Gregoryl
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
November 3, 2021 10:54 am

Not a doctor, but regularly get all my medical advice from WebMD: Fox has the yips. Cant catch the ball clean, dribbling is all over the place, etc.. We could be looking at Markelle Fultz-type stuff here.

TerzoM
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
November 3, 2021 11:11 am
Reply to  Gregoryl

Hopefully not, but if it’s something serious I bet Kings Medical Staff will be on top on it

Mad Mr Bean GIF by Working Title - Find & Share on GIPHY

Last edited 3 years ago by TerzoM
Kosta
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
November 3, 2021 11:14 am
Reply to  Gregoryl

I’m really wondering if it’s the added weight…? Fox’s speed is a big part of his game.

You have to give up something to get something. In boxing, you usually lose speed if you go up in weight. Anecdotally, I have experienced returned quickness when I slimmed down. (even in hand-speed, not just running)

I don’t think I’ve seen Fox exhibit the burst of speed to the basket this season that he has possessed in the past. I don’t feel like I’m seeing an elite-speed Fox out there. More like a normal NBA player speed-wise out there.

Gregoryl
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
November 3, 2021 11:17 am
Reply to  Kosta

Could be, so you have to wonder why he did it? Shouldn’t the Kings be involved in a decision like this with your cornerstone player and know better? If it ain’t broke…

Last edited 3 years ago by Gregoryl
Sir_tajj
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 11:51 am
Reply to  Gregoryl

Something else is at play here. We focus on the kings but this slow start is not just fox. Beal is shooting 37% from the field and 22% from 3. Tatum is 39% and 27%. Mpj is 34% and 23%. Booker is 40% and 27%. We already know about Dame and Harden.

not making excuses for fox but I think there is more going on here.

SelecaoKOJ
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 2:16 pm
Reply to  Sir_tajj

Disagree, Players that can adjust are flourishing. Playing more off ball and enjoying more success than years past. Jaylen Brown 49%,Miles Bridges 47%, Levine 47%, Morant 52%, George 49%, DeRozen 49%, Butler 51%, Herro 47%.

Alot of those players you mention are high percentage ISO players. With the exception of Harden.

Until Fox can up his pct on the Mid range, 3s,and Ft’s, he’s actually a liability.

Last edited 3 years ago by SelecaoKOJ
JackassCentral916
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 8:16 pm
Reply to  Gregoryl

I wouldn’t rule it out. Just the look on his face out there isn’t right. There’s something going on inside his head, even if it’s the pain of an injury.

Plus, he’s human, and maybe the added pressure of the expectations that come with a max contract is weighing on him. Athletes suffer from anxiety too.

DutchKingsFanInUK
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 10:54 am

Wait, back-to-back Mark Jones as the announcer? I’m so glad!

RandyBreuersNeckHair
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 11:01 am

You don’t like Draper laughing uncontrollably for no apparent reason?

DutchKingsFanInUK
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 11:40 am

He literally said that someone was “hot like fine wine” a couple of games ago. He seems like a nice dude, but man, not great as an announcer.

RikSmits
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
November 3, 2021 11:47 am

You have a problem with gluhwein?

DutchKingsFanInUK
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 11:59 am
Reply to  RikSmits

This made me chuckle. Sehr witzig, ja!

Hozr
Comments
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 3:16 pm

I’m getting tired of the Dad jokes he tells just before he laughs uncontrollably.

NickS
Comments
Comments
November 3, 2021 10:58 am

Thinking about attending the game tonight. Do you need to bring your actual vaccine card or can you bring a copy? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Bbmuteman
Original Member
Comments
Patreon Supporter
Vote Up
Original Member
Comments
Patreon Supporter
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 11:52 am
Reply to  NickS

I use the electronic card when going in. I don’t know if that’s an option for you. They’ll check your license against your vaccination card to make sure the names match.

NickS
Comments
Comments
November 3, 2021 11:59 am
Reply to  Bbmuteman

Gotcha! Thank you!

Hozr
Comments
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 3:18 pm
Reply to  Bbmuteman

What Android app are people using for proof of vaccine?

murraytant
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 1:57 pm
Reply to  NickS

photo on phone is fine. Photo copy is fine, QR code from the department of public health- any aligned with Drivers license. ( unless you are Henry Ruggs who doe not have a license.)

RAP87
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 11:10 am

Interesting game tonight. A winnable game for sure. Will the Kings or the Kangz show up tonight.. We shall find out

Carl
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
November 3, 2021 11:17 am

Jack can’t hit a curveball to save his life

comment image

Last edited 3 years ago by Carl
Jman1949
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
November 3, 2021 11:21 am

Tonight as we come home to Sac,
Both teams will compete back-to-back.
With the Pels coming in,
The Kings must again win
To put the team right back on track!

BabalooMagoo
Original Member
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 11:21 am

This is the type of Kings/Kangz game that worries me.

Marty
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
November 3, 2021 12:00 pm
Reply to  BabalooMagoo

Don’t be that guy who gets pissed when the Kings lose to the Pelicans. You got this.

SexyNapear
Original Member
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 11:35 am

Pick your favorite Fox excuse:

1 New basketball

2 Fat

3. Looking over his shoulder at Davion.

4 Tyrese slept with his sister.

RikSmits
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
November 3, 2021 11:45 am
Reply to  SexyNapear

Dude, don’t go full Napear.

It’s just an avatar, right? RIGHT?

SexyNapear
Original Member
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 1:24 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

Dude, get a sense of humor. RIGHT?

Hozr
Comments
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 3:21 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

Get it right man! SexyNapear is an oxymoron.

Jman1949
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
November 3, 2021 11:42 am

On the one hand…

On the other hand…

murraytant
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 2:00 pm
Reply to  Jman1949

sure sign of over confidence and a trap game. NOP with a bunch of bench guys were leading the Suns last night/ until well into second half.

SelecaoKOJ
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 2:18 pm
Reply to  murraytant

Pels are going to come out firing. Kings just need to play smart and in control.
This game will be close. I will not be surprised if Fox is stifled tonite.

It will the Barnes/Hield connection if we win.

Hozr
Comments
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 3:25 pm
Reply to  Jman1949

Here’s to hoping that Ramsey gets some of TD’s minutes. He played well in Summer League. It be nice to see if any of that translates to the regular season. While TD is struggling let’s give some time to the next man up.

SelecaoKOJ
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 2:04 pm

Kings always seem to catch teams on a bad losing streak. NBA players are professionals and have some pride. These teams come out against the Kings with Max effort and grit. Pels almost beat the Suns last night. Without Zion and Ingram.

I fully expect the same tonite. Teams get tired of losing. That terrible team the Kings play has a great night. Everyone is hitting 3s, the team is chasing after loose boards, and the other team ramps up the Defensive intensity. I expect the Pels to throw 2-3 guys at Fox tonite. Continuing to make it difficult for him. Will Fox adjust or Cave in?

CoreyBrewersD
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
November 3, 2021 6:07 pm

I have an extra lower bowl seat for tonight if anyone is thinking about coming tonight. FREE

CoreyBrewersD
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
November 3, 2021 6:08 pm
Reply to  CoreyBrewersD

Best Kings pass seats ever LOL

satdawg
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
November 3, 2021 6:28 pm

RIP to the lady killed by the dumb mistake of Henry Ruggs III

Kingsguru21
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
November 3, 2021 7:16 pm

Remember at the beginning of the greatest film of all time, Hook

Ummm, yeah, no.

Badge Legend

Patreon Supporter Patreon Supporter   Registered On Day 1 Registered On Day 1   Published Post Published Post  Published Post Nostradumbass
Comment Up Votes 200 Up Votes   Comment Up Votes 500 Up Votes    1,000 Up Votes    3,000+ Up Votes

Comments 50 Comments   Comments 100 Comments    250 Comments    500 Comments    1000+ Comments