Matt George here, the host of the daily Locked On Kings podcast, with your daily Locked On Kings newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Kings and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Sacramento Kings vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: A Season Opener Preview
The NBA season is back, and while the Sacramento Kings have a couple more days before their first game, there’s plenty to discuss as they prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves are set to open their season against the Los Angeles Lakers, and as a Kings fan, I’m hoping for a Lakers victory. Why? Because a win for the Lakers might mean a less motivated Timberwolves team when they face the Kings. The last thing we want is to face a team eager to avoid a 0-2 start.
Key Matchup: Who Guards Anthony Edwards?
One of the biggest questions heading into the Kings’ opener is who will guard Anthony Edwards. Edwards is a dynamic player, and the Kings need to strategize effectively to contain him. Options like Keegan Murray, Keon Ellis, or even De’Aaron Fox are on the table. Each brings different strengths to the defensive end, and it’s crucial to make the right choice to set the tone for the game.
The Impact of Offseason Moves
The Timberwolves made significant changes in the offseason, including acquiring Dante DiVincenzo. This move could be a game-changer, as DiVincenzo’s defensive prowess and shooting ability add a new dimension to the Timberwolves’ lineup. Comparing this to the acquisition of Julius Randle, I believe DiVincenzo might be the more impactful addition, especially considering the Kings’ challenges with three-point defense.
The Western Conference is as competitive as ever, and every game counts. The Kings can’t afford to start slow, as early wins could be crucial in a tightly packed playoff race. Last season, the Kings had moments where missed opportunities came back to haunt them. This year, they need to capitalize on early matchups against teams like the Timberwolves and Lakers to avoid similar regrets.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Kings’ season opener and strategies, tune into the Locked On Kings podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Kings Podcast:
- The significance of the Kings’ preseason performance
- Analysis of the Kings’ three-point shooting concerns
- Discussion on the potential starting lineup changes
- Insights into the Kings’ offseason strategies and player development
Oct 22, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Bronny James (9) warm up before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. |Jason Parkhurst/Imagn Images
The 2023-2024 season ended with a whimper rather than a bang for California’s big three. Kings fans, before you get upset, please know that I consider the Lakers, Warriors and Clippers the big three of existential crises.
Given the perennially heightened expectations for these franchises, and the slowly eroding cores of each team, it feels anywhere from markedly strange to a blatant misread that none of them made meaningful moves in the offseason.
After their tumultuous season, mostly at and by the literal hands of Draymond Green, the Warriors lost Klay Thompson. I say lost because even in a deal that took six teams to complete, with the Warriors getting Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson in the shuffle, Thompson seemed unhappy and a little lost for much of the season. Certainly, his shooting wasn’t where he or the team wanted it, but the disconnect felt deeper.
By their own admission, Golden State wants to win and continue to put Steph Curry, in his prime career years, in a position to lead them. Where, then, is the support for those necessarily connected and yet ambiguous plans? Hield is a fun addition, he’s fast and makes a scoring dent, and Anderson was instrumental in the Wolves playoff run, but neither steps into the third piece of the trifecta between Curry and Draymond that Thompson held up. There are big hopes for Jonathan Kuminga, but consider the fact that Steve Kerr barely played him last season. For all the urgency the Warriors have signaled, they’re kicking the can – and Curry’s best years – down the road.
Beyond a new head coach and their draft picks of Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, the Lakers team starting the 2024-2025 season looks a lot like the one that made a first round exit in April. The question isn’t whether a team with the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis is entertaining, but how the flashy lobs, chasedowns, and occasional dunks translate to consistent wins.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Contract
Keegan Murray was not one of the players who signed an extension earlier this week. But according to The Kings Herald, he is going to get paid next summer. They look at his comparables and what it’s going to cost to keep him.
Biz
We’ll toast to that. The Kings announced a partnership with wine producer Kendall-Jackson. In addition to the wines being available at the Golden 1 Center, fans will see in-game experiences, VIP events, and a revamped Croft Lounge, which will be renamed “Cellar 82 by Kendall-Jackson.” (NBA.com)
Personnel
How much does NBA coaching experience matter? Depends on who you ask. Howard Beck of The Ringer talks to Steve Kerr, Stan Van Gundy, Chris Finch, and more about the challenges of becoming a first-time NBA head coach, particularly for those without any previous coaching experience.
Preview
Staff at ESPN discuss the Giannis/Lillard two-man game, Lonzo Ball’s return, Mike Budenholzer’s impact on the Suns, and much more in preparation for a massive slate of games tonight.
Contracts
John Hollinger of The Athletic discusses the extensions that did and didn’t happen at yesterday’s deadline, including some important contract details for players like Aaron Gordon and Jalen Suggs.
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Fantasy Basketball Opening Night Reaction - Boston Celtics Smash, Bronny James Makes History
NBA on TNT sideline reporter Taylor Rooks interviews Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Bronny James (9) after they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.
|Photo By Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
Lakers vs. Timberwolves: Fantasy Implications
The Los Angeles Lakers’ victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves provided several key insights for fantasy basketball managers. Anthony Davis was the star of the night, delivering a dominant performance with 36 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks. His strong free-throw shooting was a pleasant surprise, making him a top-tier fantasy asset.
LeBron James, while not at his peak, still managed to contribute across multiple categories. Despite a quieter game, his consistent minutes and role ensure he remains a reliable fantasy option. Rui Hachimura’s 18-point game was noteworthy, but fantasy managers should be cautious about expecting this level of output regularly. His value is higher in points leagues, and he could be a useful streaming option.
For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards led the scoring but struggled with efficiency. His lack of defensive stats is a concern for those who drafted him high. Rudy Gobert’s double-double reaffirms his value in leagues that reward rebounds and blocks. The rotation saw Donte DiVincenzo getting more minutes than expected, while Mike Conley and Jaden McDaniels played less. This could be an early-season adjustment, so keep an eye on how these minutes evolve.
Celtics vs. Knicks: Fantasy Standouts
The Boston Celtics’ shooting clinic against the New York Knicks highlighted several fantasy standouts. Jayson Tatum’s 37 points and ten assists make him a fantasy powerhouse, especially with his efficient shooting. Derrick White and Jaylen Brown also delivered strong performances, reinforcing their roles as valuable fantasy contributors.
Al Horford’s 30 minutes on the court and his balanced stat line suggest he should be rostered in most leagues. His ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him a solid fantasy option.
For the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns’ modest performance was a letdown for those expecting more from his move to New York. Deuce McBride’s 22-point game caught attention, but his shooting efficiency is unlikely to be sustainable. Fantasy managers should be cautious about overreacting to this performance.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Kings podcasts.
Keegan Murray Will Make 250 Three-Pointers - Mild, Hot & Spicy Sacramento Kings Predictions Matt George is joined by Frankie Cartoscelli & Chris Watkins from SacTown Sports 1140 for the annual mild, hot and spicy Sacramento Kings prediction podcast before the start of the season.
Sacramento Kings Fans Shouldn’t Be Concerned by De’Aaron Fox’s Contract Comments Can De’Aaron Fox’s contract comments reshape the Sacramento Kings’ future? As the Kings’ star player, Fox emphasizes the need for long-term competitiveness before committing to an extension.
What Have the Sacramento Kings Kept Hidden this Preseason? Sacramento Kings superfan and the Kings Herald’s Jill Adge joins Matt George to discuss what the Sacramento Kings didn’t show us in preseason that we will hopefully see on opening night. Plus, thoughts on De’Aaron Fox’s comments about his future in Sacramento
