Kevin Martin has had to adjust to hitting the road to open the Kings' season. After all, he hasn't played a season-opening game at Arco Arena.
The Kings last opened at home in 2003, defeating Cleveland in LeBron James' NBA debut. That also was the last time the Kings won a season opener; they've dropped their last four attempts.
As the Kings hurriedly left the practice facility Tuesday to head to the airport, Martin said he anticipates tough competition during the opening four-game road stretch.
"Ever since I came into the league, that's how it's been," Martin said. "I don't think we've come back with a winning record, even when we had 'Webb' (Chris Webber) and them. It's such a tough road trip, you have to fight off the team's momentum, because it's their opening night."
Which may explain why the Sacramento Kings haven't won a season opener on the road, going 0-11.
Their record at home in season openers is 11-1, with the lone loss coming during the inaugural 1985-86 season in Sacramento.
"Hopefully, this year we start better," said point guard Beno Udrih. "It's sometimes hard to bounce back from, so hopefully, we get a couple wins on the road."
After starting 0-3 last season, the Kings are 5-18 on their season-opening trips since arriving in California.
Kings coach Reggie Theus said starting this season with four road games doesn't seem fair. The Kings have the longest opening trip of any NBA team.
However, NBA scheduling isn't to blame. Arco Arena booked Disney on Ice from today until Sunday, forcing the Kings to hit the road, said Mitch Germann, the Kings' vice president of business communications.
"I don't like it at all," Theus said. "I think it's a horrible way to start the season in terms of being on the road for four games. Last year, we were on the road for three games, and that was tough."
Injury update – The Kings will be without Francisco García for two to three weeks while he recovers from a right calf strain. Meanwhile, the rest of the team's nagging injuries seem to be improving.
Udrih said the left hip flexor strain he suffered Oct. 7 is healing nicely.
"I'm still treating it just in case, icing it after practice," said Udrih, who missed three exhibition games with the injury. "I don't feel that sharp pain as much as I did before. It's going to get better."
Guard Quincy Douby has been impressive in his return from a sprained right ankle that kept him out of all but one exhibition game. With García out, it's a needed boost, Theus said.
" 'Q' is going to have to play extremely well," Theus said. "He's been playing well. He came off his injury, and he's not quite the way he was when he left, but he's not far away. He's going to be big for us."
Call The Bee's Melody Gutierrez, (916) 326-5521. To get breaking news alerts and game scores sent to your phone, text KINGS to 72737.
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