18. Sacramento Kings (28-36)
Objectively, you can seriously make the case that the Sacramento Kings were actually playing the best from the bunch that is vying for the 8th and final playoff seed in the Western Conference when the NBA entered a hiatus. They were 7-3 post-all-star break, and they were finally getting healthy.
The big question for the Kings heading into the bubble revolves around their ability to get back to that rhythm. It won’t be easy and it would be unfair to place those expectations on them, but they will have an opportunity to be one of the surprises in the Western Conference. If De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield can continue to lead the way, with a couple of the other young players stepping up, the Kings could emerge to steal the 8th seed in the West.
That, of course, is easier said than done. Especially when you consider the teams that the Kings will be competing against. There’s a good chance that Sacramento will get into the play-in playoff tournament. Can they outlast the Pelicans or Blazers?