A wild rain storm isn’t the force of nature looking to roll through Sacramento and wreak havoc Sunday afternoon. After a tough loss on Friday evening to the Clippers, the Sacramento Kings draw one of the league’s best in the Golden State Warriors in what should be an entertaining 48 minutes of basketball.
Sacramento has lost two straight, but still sit in a tie for the eighth spot in the Western Conference playoff race. Their late game execution has been on the fritz, which has cost them two straight and four of the last five. They compete, but they are still learning how to win consistently.
Golden State is fresh off a loss on their home floor and hoping to get back in the win column. Packed with All-Star talent, the Warriors can beat you in so many ways. They’ve had the Kings number for the last three seasons, owning a 12-game win streak against their closest geographical rival.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
LINE
Warriors by 11.5
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Kings vs. the 3-ball -- Golden State has All-Stars at four positions and plenty of depth. They love to shoot the 3-pointer, averaging 11.7 makes on 31 attempts per game. Sacramento is one of the worst team’s in the league at defending the long ball, allowing opponents to shoot 37.9 percent from deep. If the Warriors start hitting their shots early, this could be a long night for the Kings.
NBA
WHERE THEY STAND
Kings: 15-21, third place in Pacific
Warriors: 31-6, first place in Pacific
INJURY REPORT
Kings: No injuries to report.
Warriors: No injuries to report.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors swept the season series 4-0 last year and have a 12-game winning streak against the Kings. Golden State holds an 197-185 advantage all-time over the Kings and a 69-64 lead during the Sacramento-era.
QUOTABLE
“If we’re trying to make the playoffs, this is something we have to learn from. If we’re going to be able to make a run, we have to beat teams down the stretch. They’re not going to beat themselves. You’ve got to beat them. You’ve got to beat them by executing.” -Darren Collison following the Kings loss to Los Angeles on Friday night