Game 72 Preview: Sacramento Kings at Golden State Warriors

Isaiah Thomas attempts to drive past Stephen Curry. (Photo: Steven Chea)

Gametime: 7:30 pm PT

Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA.

Broadcast Information: TV – Comcast SportsNet California, Radio – CBS Sports 1140

For Warriors perspective, visit TrueHoop Network Affiliate Warriors World.

The book on the Warriors:  The Warriors are on pace to make their first postseason in six years.  Since their last meeting with the Kings, the Warriors have posted a 5-4 record, which includes wins against New York, Houston and the Lakers.  Golden State has 10 games left, all of which come against teams in the Western Conference.

Did you know?  After beating Los Angeles on Monday, the Warriors are now 4.5 games ahead of the Lakers in the Western Conference Playoff race.  The last time Golden State held a playoff lead that large over Los Angeles?  The 1993-94 season according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Kings’ Speech:  Kings coach Keith Smart yesterday on Tyreke Evans’ health – “Very seldom does Tyreke have two bad games in a row.  I thought he came out in that game (against the Sixers) determined to have a great one for us to win that game.  And it was unfortunate that whatever it was that upset his stomach is kind of still lingering a little bit for him today.”

Status Updates: Tyreke Evans is questionable with an unknown stomach ailment.  James Johnson continues to be away from the team dealing with personal matters.

Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (25-46)

PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Tyreke Evans
SF: John Salmons
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins

Golden State Warriors Probable Starters (41-31)

PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Klay Thompson
SF: Harrison Barnes
PF: David Lee

C: Andrew Bogut

Stats

Kings

  • Points Per Game: 99.7
  • Offensive Rating: 105.9
  • Opponents Points Per Game: 104.8
  • Defensive Rating: 111.3
  • Pace: 93.3

Warriors

  • Points Per Game: 100.6
  • Offensive Rating: 105.9
  • Opponents Points Per Game: 100.2
  • Defensive Rating: 105.5
  • Pace: 94.3

Three questions to ponder

1.  Will Vivek Ranadivé be sitting courtside for tonight’s match-up?

Ranadivé has become very public with his intentions to lead an ownership group that would purchase and keep the team in Sacramento.  According to Warriors PR, the Golden State Vice Chairman attends the majority of their games.  Will he once again be spotted on the sidelines of tonight’s match-up between his current team and potential team?

2.  Will Tyreke Evans be sidelined tonight due to illness?

Evans was derailed by an unknown stomach ailment in Sunday’s loss to the 76ers, noting after the game that he had to vomit at halftime.  Evans was sick enough to miss practice yesterday, so sitting out tonight’s game is a realistic possibility.  The Kings guard has already missed 16 games due to injury or illness this year.

3.  Who wins the sixth man battle: Jarrett Jack or Marcus Thornton?

Jack is coming off a strong outing against the Lakers.  The veteran guard scored 19 of the Warriors’ 25 points in Golden State’s 109-103 victory on Monday.  Meanwhile, Thornton scored 22 points off the Kings’ bench on Sunday, marking the the fourth time in five outings that he’s finished in double figures.

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