The 2019-20 season is coming down to the wire, and the Kings are still in the hunt. The final 20 games will decide whether Sacramento ends a long playoff drought or misses the postseason party for the 14th consecutive spring.
The race isn’t between one or two teams. It’s a wild free-for-all with five clubs having a legitimate opportunity to earn the one remaining playoff berth.
Kings fans shouldn’t get their hopes up. Then again, anything is possible. Sacramento's weekend schedule includes games against the Portland Trail Blazers and Toronto Raptors in a difficult but telling stretch. Wednesday’s home game against the Pelicans may be a make or break for the Kings.
Here is where everyone stands as of March 7.
The Leader
Memphis Grizzlies (31-32)
Remaining games: 19 (10 home/nine road)
Remaining strength of schedule: .555
Games against teams over .500: 11
Ja Morant has been a revelation this season. He should win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award in a landslide, even with the late surge by New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson. Not only is he a gifted scorer and passer, but he has taken a team that was predicted to win fewer than 30 games and has them in the thick of a playoff chase.
The Grizzlies have two major obstacles in front of them. First, they have the most difficult strength of schedule that includes 11 games against teams over .500 and another five against teams they are competing against for the eighth seed. Secondly, they are young and very few of their players have been in a situation like this before.
The ebbs and flows of a season are difficult. With the schedule ahead, Memphis has to find a way to avoid prolonged losing streaks and hope that 3 1/2 game lead holds up.
Projected win total: 36-48
The Field
Portland Trail Blazers (28-36)
Remaining games: 18 (11 home/seven road)
Remaining strength of schedule: .476
Games against teams over .500: Seven
The Trail Blazers competed in the Western Conference finals last season and have shockingly fallen off in dramatic fashion. They still have time to recover, but roster moves that sent Mo Harkless, Al-Farouq Aminu, Meyers Leonard and Evan Turner have changed the dynamic in Portland and not for the better.
The Blazers are relying on Damian Lillard’s sore groin and the strong play of CJ McCollum to get them over the hump. Jusuf Nurkic could either push them over the top or cause chemistry issues during the stretch run. Either way, this is a very disappointing season for Terry Stotts and his veteran club.
Projected win total: 39-43
Kings (27-34)
Remaining games: 20 (11 home/nine road)
Remaining strength of schedule: .495
Games against teams over .500: Eight
Sacramento has one of the tougher strengths of schedules, but it’s in part due to a pair of games against the Los Angeles Lakers and matchups against the LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets. The Kings were in this position a season ago, and they let go of the rope down the stretch. That experience might come into play this year.
After a tough start to the year, the Kings are 12-6 over since Jan. 24. They had a wake-up call against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night that could either make them or break them. If they can survive the weekend and find a way to get past the Pelicans on Wednesday, the Kings have a shot.
Starting center Richaun Holmes is expected back this weekend after a 25-game absence. His ability to defend and run the floor could really come in handy in the final 20 games. He’s also a player that shouldn’t struggle to fit in due to his style of play.
Projected win total: 39-43
New Orleans Pelicans (27-36)
Remaining games: 19 (Nine home/10 road)
Remaining strength of schedule: .431
Games against teams over .500: Three
By looking at the Pelicans' schedule, you would think they were a title contender. They play just three games against teams over the .500 mark from here on out, although they do have an additional seven contests against teams they are competing with for the eighth seed.
New Orleans has a ton of talent. The pairing of Williamson and Brandon Ingram at the forward spots is tough for anyone to handle, and they are only going to get better.
The loss of J.J. Redick is an issue. Their veteran leader and 3-point specialist helps space the floor. His hamstring injury could mean the difference between making the playoffs and not. If he can’t return quickly, expect to see a whole lot of zone defense against New Orleans in the final 19 games.
Projected win total: 39-43
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San Antonio Spurs (26-35)
Remaining games: 21 (9 home/12 road)
Remaining strength of schedule: .478
Games against teams over .500: Nine
The Spurs are lurking and waiting for their opportunity. They have a 22-season playoff streak they are trying to preserve, but this season feels different. Their strength of schedule isn’t that difficult, but they’ll need to build a lead coming into the final five games where they play the Houston Rockets twice, the 76ers, Indiana Pacers and Pelicans on the final game of the season.
Gregg Popovich’s club was in a similar situation last year and they won 15 of their final 20 games. They don’t have the schedule to make a similar run, and they also don’t seem to have the necessary momentum at this point.
Never count out the Spurs, but they'll likely need a 14-7 finish -- at a minimum -- to sneak in. Nine games against .500 clubs and another six against the teams competing for the eighth seed is a lot to overcome. Popovich is a genius, but his streak is definitely in jeopardy.
Projected win total: 37-45
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Holmes returns to Kings' lineup, will come off bench - NBCSports.com
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