The Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings meet for the first time since the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Will the Warriors finally get in the win column this season? Or, will the Kings keep Stephen Curry and company winless?

Catch this game live on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 10 AM, Manila time

Away: Golden State Warriors (0-1/0-0 Away)

Projected Starting Five:

• PG: Chris Paul
• SG: Stephen Curry
• SF: Klay Thompson
• PF: Andrew Wiggins
• C:  Kevon Looney

The Warriors did not have the right start to their 2023-24 season, as they lost to the Phoenix Suns last Wednesday at home, 108-104. Golden State did not shoot very well in that game, making only 35.6 percent of its shots from the field and hitting only 10 of its 43 attempts from behind the arc. Even Stephen Curry looked a bit rusty, going just 8/20 from the floor and 4/14 from deep. 

But the Warriors can always be counted upon to deliver on offense, and they could finally find their rhythm against the Kings, who were just 25th in the league a season ago in terms of adjusted defensive rating (116.6). Speaking of defense, Golden State looked decent in that area in the Phoenix game, holding the Suns to only 44.2 FG% while forcing them to commit 19 turnovers. That’s a good sign for Golden State heading into the Sacramento contest. The Warriors, however, will be missing Draymond Green for the second game in a row due to an ankle problem, which could mean extended minutes for Kevon Looney. 

Home: Sacramento Kings (1-0/0-0 Home)

Projected Starting Five:

• PG: De’Aaron Fox
• SG: Kevin Huerter
• SF: Harrison Barnes
• PF: Keegan Murray
• C: Domantas Sabonis

Unlike the Warriors,  the Kings passed their first test of the season with a 13-114 win over the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Harrison Barnes showed there’s plenty of juice left in him with a shocking performance, dropping 33 points on 11/16 shooting to lead Sacramento. Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox played well, too, scoring 22 and 18 points, respectively.

 Sacramento decided to live and die with the 3-ball in the Utah game, and it could be the case against the Warriors after the Kings went 19/51 from deep in the season opener. Barnes and Keegan Murray combined for a 9/16 3-point shooting line, while Sacramento’s bench hit seven outside shots. At the end of the day, it’s what Sabonis and Fox would do that likely dictates how the Kings fare against the Warriors, and they’d be glad to know that a defensive master like Green is not suiting up for this contest.

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: The Warriors (+3) cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total (239.0) hits the Under