Even if the Kings are much better than they were last season and we think they will be, given the maturation of Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins and the addition of Jimmer Fredette, John Salmons, J.J. Hickson and others they'll still be a long shot to make the playoffs this season.
In this abbreviated season, it'll likely take at least 35 wins in the tough Western Conference, and even diehard fans shouldn't expect the Kings to reach that.
The top four teams in the conference are Dallas, Oklahoma City, San Antonio and the Lakers, not necessarily in that order.
Look for the Clippers, with the addition of guards Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups, to make a dramatic turnaround, so count them in. Memphis is a strong, young team led by Zach Randolph, Rudy Gay, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley, so figure the Grizzlies are in, too.
Minnesota, which won just 17 games, could challenge for a playoff spot with the continued development of Kevin Love and Michael Beasley and the addition of Rookie of the Year candidates Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams. Plus, the Timberwolves are now coached by a Sacramento favorite, Rick Adelman. If Minnesota makes it, that leaves just one spot up for grabs.
Are the Kings better than Portland, Denver and New Orleans, all of which made the playoffs last season? What about Houston, which missed the playoffs despite winning 43 games?
And some NBA fans think the Warriors are the best team in Northern California.
Let the games begin.
What to watch I
NBA marathon, 9 a.m., TNT, Ch. 10 and ESPN: David Stern has a day of treats five games in 12 hours for NBA fans.
What to watch II
NFL, Chicago at Green Bay, 5:20 p.m., Ch. 3: It can't be Sunday without at least one NFL game.
Weekend poll
How many games will the Kings win this season?
Fewer than 20
21-25
26-30
30 or more
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; Or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
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Contact Tom Couzens at tcouzens@sacbee.com or (916) 321-1097.
Read more articles by Tom Couzens


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