Preseason Game 1 Preview: Sacramento Kings at Golden State Warriors

John Salmons drives against Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. (Photo: Jonathan Santiago)

Gametime: 7:30 pm PST

Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA.

Broadcast Information: NBA TV (Television), KHTK Sports 1140 (Radio)

Sacramento Kings Projected Starters (0-0)

PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Marcus Thornton
SF: John Salmons
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins

Golden State Warriors Projected Starters (0-0)

PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Andre Iguodala
SF: Harrison Barnes
PF: David Lee
C: Andrew Bogut

What to watch

1.  Who starts for the Kings?  

It’s a mystery at this point.  DeMarcus Cousins will likely start at center, but the rest of the lineup remains to be seen.  Regardless of who starts, playing time will likely be equally distributed tonight.

2.  How will the rookies look surrounded by upgraded talent?

Ben McLemore struggled mightily and Ray McCallum had trouble racking up assists in Summer League.  But now the Kings’ new assets are playing with better talent around them than they did in Las Vegas.  The two have impressed head coach Michael Malone so far.  Malone praised McLemore’s improved ball-handling and shot selection and also complimented McCallum for having a strong training camp.

3.  Who will impress at small forward?

A position of weakness for the Kings several years now.  Small forward has two familiar faces returning in John Salmons and Travis Outlaw and one newcomer in Luc Mbah a Moute.  Salmons has once again come into camp in excellent shape while Mbah a Moute has the reputation of being an elite defender behind his push.

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