The NBA has released the 2009-10 NBA schedule. Here are some of the early highlights for the Kings:/:
Season opener - Oct. 28 at Oklahoma City: The first of three road games to start the season is a contest against Kevin Durant and Co. If the Thunder had never moved from Seattle, would this have been coach Paul Westphal's return to Seattle?
Home opener - Nov. 2 vs. Memphis: Tyreke Evans could see a lot of O.J. Mayo, who like Evans, is seen by many as a shooting guard with point guard skills. Unlike Mayo, Evans doesn't have a young player like Mike Conley playing the point.
National TV appearance - Nov. 8 vs. Golden State: It's the only time the Kings are scheduled to be shown across the country and apparently the league didn't want to wait to see how good the Kings might be to do that.
Hi Brad, John - Nov. 17 vs. Chicago: Brad Miller and John Salmons return to Arco after playing key roles in the Bulls nearly advancing to the second round of the playoffs.
There's Jonny - Dec. 12 vs. Minnesota: Rookie point guard Jonny Flynn was one of the starts of the Las Vegas Summer League. The point guard the Timberwolves selected ahead of him (some guy named Ricky Rubio) might still be in Spain.
The King and the Diesel - Dec. 23 vs. Cleveland: LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal make their only appearance at Arco.
The Champs are here - Dec. 26 vs. Los Angeles Lakers. It's the first time the Kings will face the defending NBA Champions, who will play the Cavs on Christmas Day.
--Jason Jones
