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The NBA Playoffs are just over a month away, making every game more important in the regular season – at least for teams trying to make the playoffs. The Sacramento Kings are taking on the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center, with both looking to build some momentum heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
The Kings have had a rollercoaster season so far. They fired head coach Mike Brown and promoted Doug Christie. After that move, long-time point guard De’Aaron Fox became disgruntled and requested a trade, which saw him wind up in San Antonio.
In that deal, the Kings received Zach LaVine from the Bulls, reuniting him with DeMar DeRozan. Unfortunately for the Kings, shortly after the trade, Domantas Sabonis went down with a hamstring injury and has not played since March 1. Even with all the turmoil they have faced this season, the Kings have done a good job of staying around the Play-in Tournament and look to be almost a lock to at least make that.
If Sabonis can get healthy, this Kings team could be dangerous. With his ability to run the offense from the post, surrounded by the shooting of LaVine and Malik Monk, their offense could be potent. Plus, they have the secondary playmaker in DeMar DeRozan, who can get his shot off whenever he wants from the mid-range.
The Golden State Warriors have started to roll, winning five straight games. The chemistry between Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler is growing, and it’s easy to see it on the court. On top of that, things have only gotten better for this Warriors team.
It was announced on Tuesday that Jonathan Kuminga will suit up for Thursday’s game against Sacramento. Kuminga has not played since January 4 in the midst of having a career year. He is averaging almost 17 points per game and five rebounds. His offensive game isn’t the only thing going for him, as he is also one of the Warriors’ best defenders.
With Kuminga back, this Warriors team could get hot at the right time. Butler, Curry and Kuminga all on the floor together could become a nightmare for opponents to handle on both ends of the court. Even though Curry and Butler are getting up there in age, they are not showing signs of slowing down as of late. During this five-game winning streak, Curry has been averaging just under 30 points per game and has shot around 46% from behind the arc. Once this team makes the playoffs, look out for whoever has to play them if they are at full strength.
As the Kings face off against the Warriors, one player who stands out is Steph Curry, especially given his recent performance during the Warriors’ five-game win streak.
In this game against the Kings, Curry will be facing a defense that has been inconsistent at best. Sacramento ranks 22nd in the league for opponent three-point percentage, which could provide plenty of open looks for the two-time MVP. With the Warriors’ offense running through Curry, especially with the added boost of Jonathan Kuminga’s return, expect Steph to take advantage of this mismatch and continue his hot shooting streak.
Given that Curry has been averaging 5.1 three-pointers per game over his last 10 contests, him making four or more from beyond the arc makes sense. His ability to create shots off the dribble and pull up from deep in transition also enhances his chances of hitting this mark multiple times in a game. Considering Curry’s role as the focal point of Golden State’s offense and his current rhythm, our Kings @ Warriors NBA pick is for Steph Curry to make four or more three-pointers.
Dylan has had a love for sports since he was a kid. Four years ago, he decided to dive into the sports content-creating industry specializing in Fantasy Football, NFL and NBA. He has since had his work published on sites that include Fantasy Alarm, Fansided, and Fantasy Six Pack.