Game 4 Preview: Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors

David Lee drives against Jason Thompson in preseason (Photo: Steven Chea)

Gametime: 7:00 pm PST

Where:  Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, CA.

Broadcast Information: Click here.

For Warriors perspective, visit fellow TrueHoop Network affiliate Warriors World.

Sacramento Kings Probable Starters (0-3)

PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Tyreke Evans
SF: James Johnson
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins

Golden State Warriors Probable Starters (2-1)

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

Three questions to ponder

1. Can the Kings win the battle on the glass?

In their first three games, the Kings haven’t had much luck in the rebounding department.  Out of all 30 teams in the NBA, the Kings have allowed the most rebounds against their opposition.  If their shooting woes continue, they’ll need DeMarcus Cousins, Jason Thompson, Chuck Hayes and Thomas Robinson to clean up the offensive glass in order to have a chance against a good Warriors team.

2. Does Keith Smart continue to use Aaron Brooks as his closer at point guard?

The veteran guard out of Oregon has been coach Smart’s go-to-guy at point in late game situations in two of the Kings’ first three contests.  His stats in those games may not blow you away, but he’s hit timely shots in critical moments and brought a steadiness to the position that starter Isaiah Thomas has struggled to bring early on this season.  It wouldn’t be much of a shock to see Brooks playing in crunch time again, especially if the game is close.

3.  Do we see a sellout at Sleep Train Arena?

After all the off-court drama from the last two years, one has to ask the following question: have the fans finally become disenchanted with the team its called theirs for the last years?  Based on what we saw after the arena deal fell apart last April, I say no.  Plenty of fans came to watch the Kings play a hapless Portland Trail Blazers squad following the disastrous NBA owners meetings in spring.  I think the building will be packed, but falls just shy of a sellout.

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