The 2014-15 NBA schedule is out for the Sacramento Kings. The league announced it’s full docket of games for next season yesterday.
There won’t be a shortage of storylines to follow during this upcoming season of Sacramento Kings basketball. The return of a fan favorite as well as the first meeting of two highly touted rookies highlight part of the Sacramento Kings’ season. We took a look at and broke down several games that stand out in their 2014-15 schedule.
The home opener against Golden State on Wednesday, Oct. 29
The first game of the regular season is always the most anticipated contest of the year. Last year, it was an emotional ride for all those in the building following the near relocation of the Sacramento Kings in 2013. This season, emotions will run high again since this game marks the start of the franchise’s 30th campaign in Sacramento.
The ex-Kings with New Orleans on Tuesday, Nov. 18
Tyreke Evans won’t be alone when he returns to Sacramento as an opponent for a third time. Evans will have John Salmons and Jimmer Fredette by his side when the New Orleans Pelicans visit the Sacramento Kings in mid-November. Evans will likely see major time in this game as part of the Pelicans’ rotation, but whether Fredette or Salmons do too remains to be seen.
The first national television game of the season versus Chicago on Thursday, Nov. 20
The Sacramento Kings have seven contests on national television this season, beginning with this match-up against the Chicago Bulls. Derrick Rose should be back in form and DeMarcus Cousins will have his hands full battling Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah in the paint. It’ll also be the first time rookie sharpshooters Doug McDermott and Nik Stauskas square off on the hardwood.
The first Stauskas vs. Wiggins match-up on Saturday, Nov. 22
This isn’t a home game for the Sacramento Kings, but it potentially could feature a meeting between two of Canada’s most highly-touted prospects ever. Andrew Wiggins is expected to become a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the next two weeks, making this mid-November game the first opportunity to see him take on his fellow 2014 draft-mate. There could be fireworks as Stauskas’ offense might be tested against Wiggins’ defense.
The ESPN game against Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Dec. 16
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are always fun to watch. They’ll make their first trip to the capital city nine days before Christmas when they take on the Sacramento Kings. Rudy Gay will look to bounce back after two lackluster appearances against the Thunder last year. Gay was not himself against Durant and company, averaging only 6.5 points, two rebounds ands and 2.5 assists per game.
The return of Isaiah Thomas on Friday, Dec. 26
The fan favorite formerly known as the Pizza Guy returns to the capital city the day after Christmas and will surely attempt to deliver a knockout punch to the Sacramento Kings. Don’t be shocked if the Phoenix Suns guard comes and lights up the Sleep Train Arena scoreboard for a new career-high. Thomas told Sactown Royalty last month that he plans to “kill” his old team after they decided to let him walk in free agency.
The rejuvenated Cavs on Sunday, Jan. 11
After four seasons in a Miami Heat uniform, LeBron James returns to the capital city as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 11. James started his NBA career on the road in Sacramento, losing to the Kings 106-92 in his much anticipated debut. With practically half the season under their belts, the chemistry of James and new teammates Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love will be fascinating to watch.
The boo birds for Spencer Hawes and the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, Jan. 17
Hawes may have started his career in Sacramento, but he’s certainly not well-liked around these parts anymore. Because of his choice comments about relocating the Kings to Seattle, he’s heard it from the fans ever since. Besides Hawes vs. the fans, Darren Collison will likely have some added motivation, going up against his former team in this game.
The home finale against the Lakers on Monday, Apr. 13
Chances are both these teams will be playing for nothing come this time of the year. However, there’s still an intense desire for the Sacramento Kings to “Beat LA” that’s pushed by their fans. A healthy Kobe Bryant against Nik Stauskas and Ben McLemore should be an intriguing match-up to watch.
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