Randall Benton rbenton@sacbee.com
Isaiah Thomas, driving on Utah's Alec Burks, has averaged 18.2 points in the past five games. The Kings have lost all five.
Poll
Should the 49ers allow Alex Smith a say in where he might be traded?
Your vote has been counted, thank you for voting.
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• The Kings have lost five games in a row and eight consecutive on the road after Sunday's 110-95 drubbing by the Hornets in New Orleans. During the five-game streak, the Kings have given up an average of 114.2 points. Things can't get worse, right? Well, maybe they can. The Kings play the Heat in Miami tonight, and the defending champs have won 11 in a row. Ouch.
• Alex Smith has become one of the hottest topics of the NFL's offseason that never takes a break. A report Sunday said a deal had been completed to trade the 49ers' backup quarterback, but The Bee's Matthew Barrows' sources say that's not the case – at least not yet, since no deals can be officially done until March 12. Should Smith have a say in where he plays next? We say he should – the 49ers should do right by him. Smith took his benching as well as anyone could have considering the circumstances, when he had every right to raise a ruckus.
• NASCAR has a new star – no, not Danica Patrick, though she deserves all the attention she's getting. The debut by Elk Grove's Kyle Larson, 20, in the Nationwide Series likely will be remembered for Saturday's horrific crash, but Larson finished a respectable 13th. Larson was in the wrong place at the wrong time, becoming the lead story on most national news broadcasts. We're looking forward to when he makes news by winning in the Nationwide Series for the first time.
What to watch
NBA, Kings at Miami, 4:30 p.m., CSNCA: Maybe the Heat will sit its Big Three to even things out.
Today's poll
Should the 49ers allow Alex Smith a say in where he might be traded?
• Yes, he's been a good soldier for the team.
• No, it's a business.
• They should keep him.
Vote above or leave your comments in the comments field; or go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Weekend results
Whom do you most blame for the Kings' lack of success this season?
• Basketball president Geoff Petrie: 9%
• Coach Keith Smart: 14%
• The players: 15%
• The owners: 62%
Total votes: 891
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