Sacramento Kings get chance to prove they are the real deal with opening day matchup

We have yet to get the full 2024-25 NBA regular season schedule, but we have been getting some breadcrumbs. And on Monday, it was reported that the Sacramento Kings would be at home for their first game of the season, which will be on Thursday, October 24.

A Chance To Prove That They Belong

In a season where many fans are hoping the Kings emerge as darkhorse contenders in the Western Conference, the team will get a chance right out of the gates to prove they belong, as their first matchup will be against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Along with being one of the five teams the Kings need to worry the most about out West, the Timberwolves are also coming off a year where they played in the Western Conference Finals (where they lost to the Dallas Mavericks 4-1).

If the Kings can beat the Timberwolves to start the season, that would set the tone for the rest of the year. And more importantly, it would go a long way toward building their candidacy as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.

How The Kings Did Against The Timberwolves Last Year?

Last season, the Kings played the Timberwolves three times (twice on the road and once at home), beating them in two of those three matchups.

In those three games, the Kings had a positive point differential against the team that finished with the best defense in the league (+5).

As far as meaningful injuries are concerned, in the first game, Keegan Murray (SAC) and Jaden McDaniels (MIN) were both inactive. In the second game, Malik Monk did not play. And in the third game, De'Aaron Fox was out for the whole game, while Anthony Edwards missed the second half due to the birth of his child.

Jordan McLaughlin's First Game Against His Old Team

One minor storyline to monitor in this matchup is that it will be Jordan McLaughlin's first game against the only team he's ever known. Although, given his place in the depth chart, it is doubtful that he plays much of a role (if any) in the game.

McLaughlin joined the Kings this summer after signing a one-year, veteran minimum contract (worth roughly 2.4 million dollars).

Last season, McLaughlin averaged 3.5 PPG, 2.0 APG, 1.3 RPG, and 0.6 SPG on 63.8% true shooting (88th percentile). According to Dunks & Threes, McLaughlin was in the 79th percentile in Estimated Plus-Minus (EPM). The Timberwolves were a +12.6 per 100 possessions when he was on the court.