10 Can't-Miss Kings Games Of The 2016-17 Season
The NBA has finally unveiled the 2016-17 regular season schedule and the Sacramento Kings will have plenty of matchups fans can get excited to see.
With a new arena, new coach and many new additions on the roster, the Kings will have plenty to talk about this season. To get ready for the upcoming season, let's check out ten of the best Kings games to watch:
10. Monday, Feb. 7 vs. Chicago Bulls
Kings fans saw it coming once the season ended, but Rajon Rondo's time in Sacramento was memorable, yet short-lived. After signing with the Kings last offseason, Rondo led the league in assists and helped the Kings improve their record to 33-49.
When free agency began, Rondo packed his bags and joined Jimmy Butler, Dwayne Wade and the Bulls. The Kings are now left with a shallow group of guards on the roster and when Rondo returns to Sacramento, it'll be interesting to see if he will get cheers or jeers.
9. Thursday, Nov. 10 vs. Los Angeles Lakers
It's no secret the Kings-Lakers games are ones to tune in on. The Lakers are a young, Kobe-less team filled with just as many questions as the Kings roster.
This will also be the first Lakers visit to the Golden 1 Center (no, preseason doesn't count) and Kings fans will show up loud and proud in hopes of beating the southern California rivals.
8. Sunday, Dec. 4 at New York Knicks
It's December. It's Madison Square Garden. It's the Knicks.
The self-proclaimed "super team" has a new star-studded roster to surround Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. Derrick Rose was traded to man the point guard spot, Joakim Noah also left the Bulls to Join the Knicks, plus, Courtney Lee and Brandon Jennings joined the squad this summer.
Also, new Kings addition Aaron Afflalo will face his former team for the first time.
7. Tuesday, April 4 vs. Dallas Mavericks
Kings fans should have several reasons to pay attention to this game: Seth Curry and Quincy Acy return to Sacramento, future Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki (if healthy) will be playing, plus they have some new starters from Golden State in their lineup in Andrew Bogut and Harrison Barnes.
6. Wednesday, Oct. 26 at Phoenix Suns
It's the first game of the season - of course Kings fans should watch this game.
Although the preseason will give many fans their basketball "fix," the real season starts on this night in Phoenix, Ariz. What are the Kings with their new roster, coaching staff and uniforms going to look like on the court? This will be the first taste of the new brand of Kings basketball.
5. Sunday, Jan. 8 vs. Golden State Warriors
Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth and Rocky are just some of the superstars on this team.
Okay, maybe a few of those last ones are on this team (or real), but this is the team in the NBA spotlight. The Warriors have made the Finals the last two seasons, they just signed one of the best players to play in this decade and they are prepared to go on another run at a ring.
Can the Kings upset them at Golden 1 Center? Anything is possible.
4. Friday, Jan. 13 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Welp, just a few days later, the reigning champions (oh, and a guy named LeBron James) will make a visit to Sacramento. Again, much like every home game this year, the crowd will be electric, the biggest star in basketball will be playing against the home crowd and the game will most likely be sold out quickly.
Jump on these tickets early if you want to see King James face Boogie and the Kings.
3. Thursday, Feb. 23 vs. Denver Nuggets
The beloved former head coach of the Kings, Michael Malone, will make his return to Sacramento for the first time of the year. At one time, many Kings fans believed Malone would be the coach of the Kings as they opened their bright and shiny arena, alas, he has since been picked up by the much-improved Nuggets.
Despite the Kings adding a well-respected coach this summer in Dave Joerger, Malone was a popular figure in Sacramento for several seasons.
2. Friday, Dec. 16 at Memphis Grizzlies
Speaking of Joerger, this game will be his first time being the head coach of the visiting team in the FedEx Forum since he joined the Grizzlies in 2007.
This is the same coach who broke down crying after their first round exit in the playoffs last season. He was proud of his team and he was proud of the Grizzlies community after a long, tough season. He will be missed in Memphis and his reception in this game will be a memorable one.
1. Thursday, Oct. 27 vs. San Antonio Spurs
Golden 1 Center will become alive during this game. It's the first real game in the Kings' new home and many are expecting an exciting buzz in the air.
A few years ago, many Sacramento fans never thought this day would come. After ups and downs, hardships, lawsuits, campaigns and construction, the Kings have a brand new home for the first time since 1985. Many former players are expected to be in attendance, as well as a sold-out crowd - it'll be a game Kings fans will never forget.
Oh, and the Spurs are in town, which is cool. No Tim Duncan, but Kawhi Leonard and the rest of Gregg Popovich's elite roster will make the drive to Sacramento after facing the Warriors in Oakland two days earlier.
