With the old coach, the new coach or no coach, this is a necessary win. No one wants to be the worst, and getting smacked at home by the Wolves puts you in the Thunder/Wizard zone. Really, dealing with such a poor team there can be no excuses.

Permanent McCants/Garcia Watch, for sure. I wouldn't look for a Shock & Hawes start here — you'd think elevating Thompson to starter status might be a trick Natt's willing to attempt, but I think the transition has been too short to allow for it today.

Minny isn't a terribly good outside shooting team; it's all McCants and Mike Miller, and Miller hasn't shot much at all this season. No reason for Hawes not to set up camp 24 inches from the rim — no Wolf will deny him. Again: there's no reason for the Kings not to blow the doors off.

Tip's at 7. Go Kings.