Kings preparing for first In-Season Tournament game against Minnesota

Nov 14, 2024, 4:55 PM

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 13: Monte Morris #23 of the Phoenix Suns is guarded by Trey Lyles...

Monte Morris #23 of the Phoenix Suns is guarded by Trey Lyles #41 and Kevin Huerter #9 of the Sacramento Kings in the first half at Golden 1 Center on November 13, 2024 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sactown Sports writer

When media was allowed access into the end of Sacramento’s Thursday practice, we instantly noticed they were practicing with the new In-Season Tournament specific basketballs.

With the look of a bracket on them, it’s something new that the league is trying and the Kings will experience for the first time on Friday at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

New look, same feel!

Get hyped for the @NBA Cup with the official game ball and more, before the hottest in-season tournament tips off this evening, November 12th! #WilsonBasketball #BondedByBall #NBACup
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🏀: https://t.co/HWFyoGiZ3x
– – pic.twitter.com/ELhW5q0uv3

— Wilson Basketball (@WilsonBasktball) November 12, 2024

“We’ve got to break (the new In-Season Tournament balls) in,” Kevin Huerter said jokingly after Thursday’s practice. “Wish we tried to break them in about a month ago. Hopefully, we can find a good one for tomorrow night but they’re still a little raw, the ones we were practicing with today.”

Last year, the first season, including the In-Season Tournament, proved that it accomplished what was desired. Interest from fans and increased desperation from the players was apparent in those matchups.

The Kings group this season includes the Timberwolves, who they play tomorrow, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Houston Rockets, and the Portland Trail Blazers. Remember, point differential is a determining factor in tournament seeding, making the end of games atypical with teams trying to secure the greatest advantage possible down to the final buzzer.

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?

Sacramento will begin the group play portion of the NBA Cup (In-Season Tournament) on Friday night at Golden 1 Center against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Kings will play four group play games before the tournament enters the knockout stage on December 10th.

Be sure to catch all of the Kings vs. T-Wolves action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage starting at 2:00 PM PT on The Drive Guys before action tips off at 7:00 PM PT from downtown Sacramento.