The Kings didn’t shoot too well in this game hitting only 37.5% of their shots from the floor and they were outscored 25-17 in the 4th quarter and that doomed them. On a bright note the Kings outrebounded the Hornets 52-43 in this game. Rookie point guard Tyreke Evans led the way for the Kings in this game with 22 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Kevin Martin had a horrid shooting night (9 of 29 from the floor) but he still finished with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Andres Nocioni was effective off the bench for the Kings in this game as he finished with 16 points in only 24 minutes. The Kings are now 0-2 on the season.

The Kings had to outscore the Thunder 21-13 in the 4th quarter to make the final score semi-respectable. Kevin Martin led the way for the Kings with 27 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals despite only shooting 5 of 19 from the floor. Rookie forward Omri Casspi had a outstanding NBA debut as he hit 7 of 9 shots from the floor finishing with 15 points and 3 rebounds in only 19 minutes. Jason Thompson also had a solid game with 11 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocked shots. The Kings are now 0-1 on the season.

With a number that low you have to consider the over, but, the Kings are a very young team that will likely have a tough road to hoe in the NBA Western Conference. I think the Kings cound get the over if the younger players are up to the challenge. I would have liked the over better if Francisco Garcia didn’t injure himself lifting weights. I would have to take the under if I were making a bet on the Kings this season.

First round picks Tyreke Evans (G,F) and Omri Casspi (SF) were both very impressive in the pre-season and the Kings hope that will continue when the regular season starts as they need all the help they can get. Evans started all 7 of the Kings pre-season games in which he averaged 31.6 minutes, 15.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocked shot per game. Evans will likely push Beno Udrih to the bench with him starting at point guard. Omri Casspi played in 7 games (2 starts) during the pre-season and he averaged 21.0 minutes, 11.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. Casspi will start the season coming off the bench but that won’t last long if he continues to play like he did in the pre-season.

You know it’s bad when you get cut by the Sacramento Kings. With that in mind Melvin Ely will likely have a hard time finding another team as he could be nearing the end of the line in his NBA career. It’s not as if the Kings are loaded at forward and center which is likely very bad news for Ely.