Before we get to the preview for your Sacramento Kings versus the New Orleans Hornets, I think I must first make an important public service announcement regarding the season opener:

We've been through one game.  It did not go how we had hoped it might.  But it was one game.  This game is the second game.  After this, we have 80 more.  You'd think we be able to handle a loss a little better after we all endured last season, but apparently we still need to talk a few folks away from the edge.

Let me say that this will still be a long season for us as fans of this franchise.  We'll enjoy the highs, we'll look for silver linings in our losses.  Just remember that we cannot live and die with each win or loss.  All signs point to the idea that we will experience more losses than wins this season.  Look for small victories where we can.

Along those lines, was anybody not a little bit inspired with the way Casspi played last night?  Look for those little things.  Those are the aspects of the game that we can enjoy, even in tough losses.  

All that being said, yesterday's recap thread was incredible.  Great discussion all around.  Kudos to everyone.  That's the sort of thing that makes me proud to be a member of this site.  

Now, on to the preview of tonight's game.

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More photos » by Sue Ogrocki - AP

about 1 month ago: Sacramento Kings center Spencer Hawes, right, blocks a shot by Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden, left, in the fourth quarter of an NBA preseason basketball game in Oklahoma City, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009. Sacramento won the game 104-89. (AP Photo)

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Fun Fact of the Day:  The Kings are currently undefeated.

We don't know how long that fact will remain true, but this is where we begin this season's journey.  Every game matters, but the first game of the season just always feels so...big.

This is where potential meets reality.  This is where we see Tyreke Evans on the main stage.  This is where we see what JT has truly become.  This is where we see Westphal's campaign towards redemption.

If you were looking for the perfect opening game to start the season for the Kings, this would be it.  It's by no means a guaranteed victory.  After a 17-win season, no match-up really is.  But it's a match-up that will be exciting.  The Kings have a legit shot at a win. 

Above all, I think we can all get excited that we can actually get excited about this game.  The team has a competitiveness and fire it has lacked in recent years.  We can watch some good basketball again.

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More photos » by Rich Pedroncelli - AP

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This is it folks.  The final preseason game.

The Kings (aka The Good Guys) hosting the Utah Jazz (aka The Bad Guys).  An enthralling match-up of two teams asking themselves the same question that we all have on our minds: Is the regular season here yet?

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This could be you!!!

Guess who has tickets to Sunday's Kings-OKC game? The answer is it could be you!!!

Mrs. section214 has just minted a fresh list of chores for me prior to the Super Bowl, and that means Mr. p-whipped here needs to give up his tickets for what could be the least attended basketball game in Kings history. Imagine the stories that you will be able to tell your grandkids. Revel in the unobstructed sight lines. Pee in two urinals at the same time.

And the best part - they're free! That's right. I can't look myself in the mirror and put these out for sale, so they're free...parking not included...that could be a deal breaker...

The game starts at noon - I promise lots of available (though not free) parking.

The first one to email me and promises to post a "View From Section 214, SB Edition" gets 'em. Be sure and give me your ID info and I will leave them at will call for you, as I am going to the game tonight. I'll post in the thread here as soon as we have a "winner."

Ready...set...go!

And 1 - Reggie Theus is on the tickets. It just gets better and better...