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Artest reinstated as Kings face Nuggets

Mar 11, 2007 - 4:42 PM Denver (29-31) at Sacramento (28-33) 3:30 pm EDT

SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) - Ron Artest is getting another chance. The Sacramento Kings hope it pays off.

Emotional during an apology Saturday, Artest will return to the Kings and look to clean his act up yet again, beginning with Sunday's contest against the Denver Nuggets one night later.

Artest has a history of violent incidents, including the infamous brawl he sparked at The Palace of Auburn Hills as a member of the Indiana Pacers, one of the ugliest incidents in NBA history.

Artest was reinstated by the Kings on Saturday, five days after his arrest on felony domestic violence charges. Looking humbled, Artest also spoke - and even cried - as he apologized to teammates, his wife, the organization and the league.

The Kings, who have not missed the playoffs since 1998, need what Artest provides on the court. One of the best defenders in the NBA, he is averaging 18.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.2 steals in 51 games.

In Artest's absence, Sacramento has beaten Indiana and lost to San Antonio. The Kings (28-33) are one game behind the Los Angeles Clippers (29-32) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The Kings also are tracking the Nuggets (29-31), who have lost 20 straight visits to Arco Arena dating to January 7, 1997. It is the longest current slide of any NBA team at any site.

Denver has lost three of its last four games, including Friday's 95-82 loss to Detroit in which NBA leading scorer Carmelo Anthony managed just 17 points. Anthony likely will be defended by Artest.