2 min read • April 07, 2023
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With the Kings securely in the three spot in the Western Conference, Sacramento is in rest mode ahead of their first playoff series since 2006.
This matchup previews a potential Western Conference showdown if the Warriors can hold onto the No. 6 seed over the final two games of the season.
Outside of getting Andrew Wiggins back, the Warriors are virtually at full health. Wiggins rejoined the team on Tuesday and is in the process of ramping up his conditioning.
He has missed 24 games while reportedly dealing with a serious illness in the family.
Golden State has gone 13-10 thus far without Wiggins and their lackluster defense has been bolstered by the return of Gary Payton II.
In the five games Payton has played since returning, the team has averaged 112 points allowed compared to 117.6 allowed in the previous 75 games.
The Warriors will be looking to overcome their awful road record of 9-30 to secure a much-needed win against the Kings.
If they win out, they avoid the play-in tournament and hold on to the No. 6 seed. A Clippers loss to Portland or the Suns on Sunday could see them move into the No. 5 seed.
The “lit beam” Kings cannot drop below the three seed and are unlikely to move past the Grizzlies for the No. 2 seed, thus they are in cruise mode for the final two games of the season.
The following players are listed as questionable for tonight’s game: De’Aaron Fox (left ankle soreness), Kevin Huerter (right popliteus injury management), Trey Lyles (right shoulder soreness), Davion Mitchell (left knee soreness), Malik Monk (left lower leg soreness), Keegan Murray (right foot soreness) and Domantas Sabonis (left ankle soreness).
The Pro Basketball Docs believe Mitchell is the only King that is likely to suit up because fellow guard Matthew Dellavadova is out while recovering from right index finger surgery. Even if he’s active, he will likely play limited minutes.
All those absences mean more time for Terence Davis, Keon Ellis, Kessler Edwards, Alex Len and Chimezie Metu.
The Golden State Warriors are favored by 9.5 points on the road and the over/under is 235, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Teams with a 10+ SIC score advantage are winning at over 60% against the spread.
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