The Warriors are headed down the road to take on Sacramento. With both teams currently stuck in the play-in game, a win tonight could be massive for post-season jockeying. This will be one to watch with both teams looking extremely different since they last matched up.
Jonathan Kuminag Out
None
This is the first game back for both teams post-All-Star break. With both the Kings and Warriors stuck in the 9th and 10th spots in the West, they’ve had similarly disappointing years. Now that we’re on the final sprint to the post-season, we’ll get to see if these new additions can help pull either team out of their hole.
The Kings made some interesting moves over the trade deadline, losing De’Aaron Fox in a trade but reuniting DeRozan and LaVine. This team is weird. They did get better somehow, even losing their All-Star point guard. They address some of their issues with depth, adding Jonas Valanciunas, Markelle Fultz, and Jake LaRavia. None of those guys alone are going to get anyone too excited, but this team has more shape than it did. Especially with Keon Ellis looking like he could be an impact player this year, the Kings are a sneaky, fun watch.
On the other hand, the Warriors committed to Jimmy to create the big three of Green, Curry, and Butler. They lost some important players like Wiggins, but overall, Jimmy's star power was worth the gamble. This team was slipping into irrelevancy, but this Hail Mary might just save them from obscurity. They’ve won two of their three games with Butler, so things are at least starting on the right foot.
The matchup between these teams is intriguing. I like the size the Kings are bringing into the game. That’s one area the Warriors didn’t address at the trade deadline, which might cause them trouble. They’ve gotten through this season well without a starting-caliber big man. Green has done a fantastic job of keeping the paint clear, and now, with Butler, they should manage well. However, against Sabonis and Jonas Valanciunas the interior might suffer for Golden State.
The Kings' biggest challenge will be defense. They’ve been letting teams rack up points against them, so they’ll need to lock in. If they get into a shootout with Golden State, it won't end pretty for Sacramento.
Overall, I’m leaning towards the Kings in this game. If they can use their size to win the rebounding battle and win the bench minutes, they should be able to take it.
Money line: GSW (-142) / SAC (+120)
Total Points: 237.5
Spread: -2.5 GSW (-108) / +2.5 SAC (-112)
The Kings have a different look. With a better bench and better bigs, they should be able to handle the Warriors. Unless the Warriors are hitting from deep all night, DeRozan and LaVine should be able to keep it close.
We’ve been seeing a little post-All-Star weekend rust on some of these teams. I expect to see the same thing on both rosters as they return to the swing of things. Considering the points total is that high, the under looks like the right line tonight.
The Kings have already won both of their matchups against the Warriors. Now that they have even more depth, this seems like a solid line—even if they just keep it close.
LaVine has transitioned well to the Kings. Scoring 32 points in their last game before the break, the 25-point line looks doable. Considering DeMar and Sabonis will likely be dealing with Green and Butler, LaVine will probably have the weakest defense on him.
I expect to see Sabonis put in great work in the post. He’s always a terrific rebounder, but if he can add a few buckets, this line will look nice. Considering he averages 37 combined rebounds and points, this line is achievable.
Jimmy has been putting work in on the boards. With the lack of a true full-time big, Jimmy has taken up the mantle of rebounding. He’s already averaging more than 7 rebounds a game in his first three games with the Warriors.
Steph hasn’t been the playmaker he’s been in the past this year. However, not that he has Jimmy on the team, he could start upping those numbers again. He lacks many reliable scoring options to pass, too, but with Jimmy, he’ll be able to feed him the ball all night.