Game 63 Preview: Sacramento Kings at Golden State Warriors

Jason Thompson, David Lee, DeMarcus Cousins (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 have stumbled a bit since their incredible start to the season.  They’ve lost 10 of their last 13 and just ended a four-game losing streak with a win over the Raptors on Monday.  Stephen Curry has not been a reasons for Golden State’s recent woes.  He’s scored 25-plus points in five-straight games for the Warriors, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since Monta Ellis did it in 2011.

Did you know?  From Jan. 15, 2000 to Nov 16, 2003, the Kings won 15-straight games against the Warriors.  Since then, Golden State has held a 22-16 advantage over Sacramento.

Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (21-41)

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

Golden State Warriors Probable Starters (34-27)

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

C: Andrew Bogut

Stats

Kings

  • Points Per Game: 98.7
  • Offensive Rating: 101.8
  • Opponents Points Per Game: 104.1
  • Defensive Rating: 109.1
  • Pace: 95.70

Warriors

  • Points Per Game: 101.3
  • Offensive Rating: 106.2
  • Opponents Points Per Game: 101.8
  • Defensive Rating: 106.8
  • Pace: 94.5

Three questions to ponder

1.  Will tonight’s game prove to be another compelling match-up between the Northern California rivals?

The Kings played one of their most exciting games of the season against the Warriors.  In a thrilling match-up where it seemed like neither team could miss, Sacramento defeated Golden State in four quarters, 131-127, on Dec. 19, 2012.  The Kings and Warriors always seem to save their best for one another.  Entering tonight’s game, the Kings and Warriors are 184-184 against each other in the all-time match-up.

2.  Which team wins the battle from beyond the arc?

The Kings’ outside shooting has powered their stellar play of late.  Following the All-Star break, Sacramento has shot 44.5 percent from beyond the arc.  Meanwhile, Stephen Curry has powered Golden State’s 3-point attack.  The Warriors starting point guard made more threes than any other player in the NBA last week by knocking down 24.

3.  Which team wins the bench battle? 

Led by Marcus Thornton, the Kings have gotten stellar production out of their bench lately.  The Kings backup guard has scored in double figures in six straight games and chipped in 20 or more points in four of his last six outings.  One can credit much of the Warriors’ success this season to the production of their reserves.   Former King Carl Landry ranks first in the NBA among bench players with games of at least 10 points and five rebounds while Jarrett Jack leads all reserves in games with at least 10 points and five assists.

Statistical support provided by NBA.com.

Arrow to top