OKC Thunder vs. Sacramento Kings, 2019-20 team preview
The Sacramento Kings were one of the feel good stories of 2018-19. With both clubs having active offseasons how do the OKC Thunder matchup in 2019-20?
While the OKC Thunder have been a perennial threat the Sacramento Kings have missed the postseason for the last 13 years.
Last season a trio of Cinderella teams entertained us with the Sacramento Kings perhaps the most delightfully surprising in that mix. De’Aaron Fox who channels Russell Westbrook’s speed is a star on the rise with a plethora of young talents surrounding him.
Sacramento fought tooth and nail falling off the pace to land a playoff berth only at season end finishing ninth in the West. They kept defenses honest with their blistering pace which translated into 12 additional wins over the season prior.
Rookie Marvin Bagley hinted at signs of impending stardom at season end so much so that he’ll start and receive increased minutes for his efforts this season.
The exciting youthful core are keen to take another step this season and reach the playoffs in the supremely talented West. While other young clubs have struggled to be in the mix the Kings look poised to be the next young club who’ll take that step.
The Basics:
2018-19 Record: 39-43
Lottery Seed: Had traded their pick from this season away.
Head Coach: Luke Walton begins his first season as the bench boss.
Points per game: Ranked 9th (114.2) | Opponent points per game: Ranked 26th (115.3)
Pace: Ranked 5th (103.1) | Offensive Rating: Ranked 16th (110.4) | Defensive Rating: Ranked 20th (111.5)
Vegas Odds:
Win-Loss: 37.5 games
Odds to NBA Title: +18948
Odds to Win Conference: +8890
* Odds courtesy of The Action Network.
The OKC Thunder lost the regular-season series against the Kings winning only once in four tries. Next up, let’s look at the offseason changes made by the Kings and review what to expect when the team’s tipoff versus each other in their three contests.