Before we start, I'll preface this analysis with two points:
I don't mind setting the bar low.
I'd love to be proven wrong.
Okay, here we go:
Start with 82 wins.
Subtract 41 right off the bat. Why? Well, because the Kings play in the Western Conference and they are not named the Lakers, Jazz, Nuggets, Thunder, Spurs, Mavericks, Trailblazers, Rockets, Suns, or even, dare I say it, the Blake Griffin-led Clippers.
Add 6 because of the addition of rookie DeMarcus Cousins and his massive potential.
Subtract 3 because DeMarcus Cousins may believe a little too much of his own hype.
Add 4 because Jason Thompson and Omri Casspi have to get better.
Subtract 3 because, as hard as it is to believe, Donte Greene may be worse.
Add 3 because the Kings fans are the best fans in the world.
Subtract 8 because a half-full arena with the best fans in the worlds isn't a home-court advantage.
Add 5 because Tyreke Evans figures to take over at least that many games down the stretch.
Subtract 2 because Evans still can't figure out how get his teammates involved on a consistent basis.
Subtract 9 because coach Paul Westphal seems incapable of getting his players to A.) run an unselfish offense and B.) play defense without hacking the other team.
Add 4 because the Maloof Brothers seem like genuinely nice guys.
Subtract 6 because the Maloof Brothers have a sister who agreed to be on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Subtract 4 because Luther Head and Pooh Jeter actually made the team.
Add 2 because Carl Landry and Samuel Dalembert give the team some veteran leadership.
Subtract 6 because both will probably be traded by the All-Star break.
There it is. The numbers have been checked and cross-checked by professors at MIT. The final tally is in. Kings fans probably won't like it, but math doesn't lie. The Kings will win:
