If you’re ready for some more Sacramento Kings action, you’re in luck. We are officially just a little over a month away from the first preseason game in the Golden 1 Center. Establishing healthy team chemistry early on will be crucial if the Kings wish to improve on their pair of 31-win seasons in the last two years.
Rising star guards De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton will return with recently drafted Davion Mitchell at their backs. Richaun Holmes will also be re-joining in what looks to be a pretty exciting crew this season after signing a team-friendly contract extension. With the core assembled, it will be interesting to see just how talented the team looks before deciding on any further roster changes.
The Sacramento Kings’ preseason schedule has officially been released, here’s what to look for as they warm up for the 2021-22 NBA season.
Here’s a look at the four-game slate Sacramento will have to face off against in the 2021 NBA Preseason.
October 4, Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns
The Kings will get their first action of the 2021-22 season against the defending Western Conference Champions, in a bout that’s sure to test the effectiveness of Sacramento’s new three-guard lineup. The Suns have re-signed Chris Paul to a massive $120 million deal to pair next to Devin Booker once again.
If Sacramento does decide to retain Marvin Bagley entering the season, it would be very interesting to see the top two picks of the 2018 NBA Draft face off. Hopefully, Bagley has taken this time to work on his game and come back stronger, in what could be a huge statement game for the big man.
October 6, Sacramento Kings @ LA Clippers
With Kawhi Leonard out indefinitely due to injury, the LA Clippers seem to be one of the Western Conference teams Sacramento could potentially surpass despite coming off a very successful season. Every game will matter during the regular season so setting the tone early on in LA could serve as a massive morale boost for these Kings.
I’m very interested to see Haliburton elevate as an aggressive shot-creator to take advantage of the mismatch against Reggie Jackson here (assuming the recently acquired Eric Bledsoe guards Fox), as the sophomore guard looks to improve on an All-Rookie First Team season in Sacramento. Although he received starter’s minutes last year, I wouldn’t put it past Haliburton to emerge as a potential Most Improved Player candidate this season.
October 11, Sacramento Kings @ Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers look like a dumpster fire right now. They seem content on running it back yet again despite very clearly not looking like a championship contender. Don’t be deceived, however, as they are still a very good team. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum as pair are one of the most formidable backcourts in the NBA.
This will be Mitchell’s time to shine, after lighting up the NBA Summer League as a defensive powerhouse. If Mitchell could repeatedly clamp up and disrupt possessions led by Lillard himself, Davion’s image and notoriety would quickly rise. In the past, Portland has run a lot of isolation basketball so it may not be too tall of an order. It remains to be seen if new head coach Chauncey Billups has other things in mind for the Blazers though, so stay tuned.
October 14, Sacramento Kings vs. LA Lakers
The Kings will cap off their preseason against the 2019 NBA Champions. This rivalry of old has certainly subsided in years past, but this could be a great chance to re-ignite some of those flames. The Lakers will likely take every chance to rest their star trio of LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis, so it remains to be seen if they’ll even play in this game. Either way, I think I speak for all Kings fans when I say I’d thoroughly enjoy a big win here.
Following the conclusion of the NBA Preseason, the Kings will play their first regular season contest in Portland on October 21, followed by the first home game in Sacramento against the Utah Jazz on October 23.