On Thursday, 03/13, the Golden State Warriors (37-28) will host the Sacramento Kings (33-31) in a Western Conference Regular-Season match-up. The Warriors have shot to the 6th spot in the West, whereas the Kings are 9th. Will the Warriors continue their hot form against the average Kings? Read about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Warriors: Jimmy Butler has turned their season around
The Warriors will enter the affair after a 10-point win against the Portland Trail Blazers behind a 26-point performance by Gary Payton II. They have won five in a row and have emerged victorious in 12 of their last 14 games. These wins are a direct result of Jimmy Butler’s inclusion in the squad, whereas Stephen Curry’s excellent scoring returns have played a huge role as well. In the 14-game period, they have scored 121 points per game(6th) while conceding 109 PPG(6th), indicating their vast improvement over the season. But will it be good enough to propel them deep into the postseason?
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Stephen Curry | SG: Moses Moody | SF: Jimmy Butler III | PF: Draymond Green | C: Quinten Post
Key Injuries/Updates: The status of Brandin Podziemski is UNCLEAR. Jonathan Kuminga will probably RETURN in this game.
Kings: Need to win more against quality teams
The Sacramento Kings will come into this game after a 29-point loss against the New York Knicks, despite a 21-point performance by Malik Monk. It was their second loss in a row, and they are 5-5 in their last 10 games, summing up their season’s story. Sacramento has not been able to enter the top-six field because of their tendency to lose the plot just after building some momentum. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan have been terrific on the offensive end, but Malik Monk hasn’t played at the level he was in the first half of the season. Domantas Sabonis’s injury messed them in various ways, whereas their Wing Keegan Murray has missed way too many threes(33.6% FG).
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Malik Monk | SG: Zach LaVine | SF: DeMar DeRozan | SF: Keegan Murray | C: Jonas Valanciunas
Key Injuries/Updates: Domantas Sabonis is going to be OUT. The status of Jae Crowder, Malik Monk, and Jake LaVaria is UNCLEAR.
The Kings’ offense has not been up to par in the last two games against tough opponents. The Warriors also pose a big threat and can make life difficult. However, the Kings have the duo of LaVine and DeRozan, who can rise from tough outings. Meanwhile, there are not many doubts about the Warriors these days. Life is easy when Curry is red-hot, and the team currently has three terrific feeders in Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green. They will fancy a 125+ points night against the average defense of Sacramento.
Projected Predictions:
Stephen Curry to score over 30.5 points: Chef Curry has cooked 30+ points per game since February. He is just two triples away from becoming the first player to nail 4,000 three-pointers. I believe he will reach the landmark in a riveting fashion by putting together a 30+ points effort.
Jimmy Butler to score over 19.5 points: The brilliant two-way Wing has tallied 17.6 PPG since his Warriors tenure started. I believe he will erupt for a 20+ points night here.
DeMar DeRozan to score over 24.5 points: The Kings forward has put up 23.3 PPG in March, scoring 30+ in two instances during the last four games. I expect him to be in the 25+ points range here.
Jonas Valanciunas to clasp 13+ rebounds: The Kings’ backup big man has taken over the starting spot after Sabonis’s injury. He has done a brilliant job in the paint, grabbing 13.7 rebounds per game since Sabonis has been down. I expect him to stack 14-16 rebounds here.
The Warriors have played some terrific basketball since mid-February, and they are no stopping any time soon. The Kings were deflated by the Knicks in their last encounter but gave a gutsy fight to the Clippers a few days ago. They can draw some inspiration from there, but the Dubs will surely play with a full flurry at home. This is why I favor the home side to win this by 7+ points.
Safe Spread Pick: Warriors -8.5 for +105 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Sergio Estrada- Imagn Images
