Gametime: 7:00 pm PDT
Where: Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, CA.
Broadcast Information: KHTK Sports 1140 (Radio), Comcast SportsNet California (Local Television)
Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (0-0)
PG: Darren Collison
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins
Golden State Warriors Probable Starters (0-0)
PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Klay Thompson
SF: Andre Iguodala
PF: David Lee
C: Andrew Bogut
Three things to ponder
1. Turnovers (or lack thereof)
The Kings averaged 19 turnovers per game in the preseason. Last year’s worst NBA team, the Philadelphia 76ers, led the league with 16.4 turnovers a contest. Spilling the rock and setting up their defense to fail isn’t a trend Sacramento should continue if the team wants to win games that matter. Hopefully the 10-turnover effort versus the Los Angeles Lakers in the preseason finale can serve as a benchmark.
2. Perimeter defense
The Kings gambled in the offseason that the 6-foot Darren Collison would mark a significant defensive upgrade over the 5-f00t-9 Isaiah Thomas. Chris Paul’s former backup will pair with Ben McLemore, a guard regularly targeted by opposing teams in his rookie season, to slow down sharpshooters Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in any way possible.
3. Energy level
One year ago, the Kings celebrated their new leadership and the end of the relocation saga by out-hustling the Denver Nuggets in an emotional 90-88 win in front of a spirited Sacramento crowd. There’s a lot less buzz this time around, but the Kings need to start equally alert and ready to jump out of bed, or risk being left in the dust.
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