Well it looks like the long, strange trip that has been the 2005-06 season is going to end in a playoff spot for the Kings. Tonight’s matchup with the Spurs is most likely a first round preview between the No. 1 Spurs and the No. 8 Kings.

The game, in San Antonio, may very well decide whether the Kings have any shot at taking down the defending champs in the opening series.

The first round is no longer a five game series, because I guess the NBA just couldn’t stand having the playoffs last less than three months. If it were still a five game series the Kings could take the series in my opinion, even with a full strength Tim Duncan.

The Spurs are the defending champs and must be beaten in order to prove otherwise. Yes, I know they are about as fun to watch as “Doily Hour with Grandma Gertrude” on public access, but they win their games. However, with Duncan limping around due to his plantar fasciitis, the Kings could be primed to shock the world.

The Kings and Spurs have never faced each other in the postseason despite all the years both teams were near the top of the league.

San Antonio is to be respected, but they scare me about as much as a baby in a cow costume. I think Tony Longoria is the most overrated player in the NBA (outside of Shaq) and he could be very easily exposed for the fraud he is.

Sure, he’s fast and can make a layup, but come on now. If the Kings send Artest to lay Parker out on a drive attempt, suddenly the little French stooge would be far more apprehensive about driving to the hoop. The day Parker makes a shot outside of 15 feet, you give me a call and we’ll discuss things.

If Duncan is still hurting come playoff time then it is open season on the Spurs. Any playoff team in the western conference other than the Lakers could beat a Spurs team with a half-speed Duncan. With Artest leading the way while locking down Manu Ginobili, Michael Finley and any other San Antonio bit players, the Kings will take down the champs. And when they do I will call up Charles Barkley and laugh in his face. If the Spurs advance, well, it will be two more months of doilies. Lovely, lovely doilies.

Benn Hodapp can be reached at [email protected]