3 Burning questions following Sacramento Kings lackluster trade deadline

Can the Sacramento Kings make the playoffs in a (now more) loaded Western Conference?

The Sacramento Kings are fully in control of how their season ultimately plays out. With 28 games remaining on their schedule, they have the third-best record in the Western Conference.

Things are pretty congested behind the top-seeded Denver Nuggets, though. For example, entering games on February 10th, the 3rd seed and the 12th seed in the West are separated by just five games.

The Kings have maintained a strong spot in the west all season long. Don’t let that confuse you, though. They aren’t holding much of a lead over the teams chasing them. One tough stretch and they can see themselves fall from third in the west to a play in game situation.

Hopefully, Sacramento can continue cruising like they have all season long. The question must be asked, though, for a few reasons.

First, the entire Western Conference seemingly got better. The teams behind Sacramento in the standings were very active at the deadline and many of those teams made very impactful additions to their rosters.

Two noteworthy teams the Kings have a slight lead over in the West would be the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks. The Suns added Kevin Durant, while the Mavericks added Kyrie Irving. The talent behind the Kings right now is insane.A number of these teams can go on a very strong run to end the season.

The second reason this question must be asked is because of the Kings remaining schedule. With 28 games remaining, the Kings have the second toughest strength of schedule remaining in the west (According to Tankathon).

This remaining schedule will make life tough for an offensive-dependant team that is still learning how to win. Five Thirty Eight gives the Kings a 64 percent chance to make the playoffs. That number may seem high but it is good for the 9th highest percentage among Western Conference teams.

The Kings just need to win like they have all season and they will be in the playoffs. Following the crazy 2023 NBA trade deadline and the Kings lack of involvement in it, it’s fair to wonder if they will execute and hold onto their playoff positioning this season.