ESPN’s NBA Insiders Think Sacramento Kings Miss The Playoffs In 2022-23 Season
Aug 10, 2022, 11:04 AM
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 03: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings shoots over Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Golden 1 Center on April 03, 2022 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
ESPN’s NBA Insiders don’t have as much faith in the Sacramento Kings making the playoffs as the hometown fans and we at Sactown Sports do.
While the Kings improved over the offseason, the Western Conference runs deep. If LeBron James and Anthony Davis can stay healthy and gel with Russell Westbrook, things will look different for the Lakers. Kawhi Leonard is expected to return to the Clippers and Nikola Jokic will have his running partners Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. back, too. The Phoenix Suns barely touched their roster that won 64 games last season, the Timberwolves added more defense in Rudy Gobert and if Zion Williamson can stay healthy, the Pelicans can make waves again.
The Sacramento Kings have not made the playoffs since 2006.
ESPN’s panel picked Sacramento to extend its playoff drought for a 17th season, missing the play-in tournament and finishing the regular season with 34 wins despite their offseason moves. Writes Kevin Pelton:
There’s reason to believe this could be the Kings’ year. They’ll get a full season with Domantas Sabonis after acquiring the two-time All-Star before the trade deadline and adding shooting in the backcourt with newcomers Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk to complement Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox. Most importantly, No. 4 overall pick Keegan Murray impressed this summer, winning MVP honors for the NBA summer league in Las Vegas.
The insiders are projecting the Portland Trailblazers to win 35 games, one more than the Sacramento Kings. They also picked the Warriors to not only win the Western Conference but to repeat and win another NBA Championship.
