Put away the popcorn and grab the puke buckets: Kings basketball is back!

When we last left our heroes, Sacramento suffered an embarassing defeat in Oklahoma City to the pesky Hornets, their third-straight defeat. After a rousing win streak of five, the Kings again found themselves slipslipslipping out to pasture.

Enter the Celtics, a moribund sideshow of broken promises seeking some light in their dark winter's playoff grave. Boston snapped an 18-game losing streak with a win over the equally woeful Bucks before All-Star festivities began, knocking any national interest for tonight's Sactown matchup off the radar. It could've been special, too – the Kings are well qualified to end long losing streaks, as the 1999 Clippers learned.

Instead, we're left with a battle bereft of serious drama or worldwide ramifications. We actually have to enjoy the game. Shudder to think.

Business time.

The Kings are six-point favorites. They actually shouldn't allow NBA betting this week, with the trade winds circulating and such. I'd lay the points only if I were guaranteed Bibby and Artest would both play.

Enjoy the game.