Preview: Kings, Warriors meet for first time since NBA Playoffs
Oct 14, 2023, 9:00 PM | Updated: Oct 15, 2023, 10:39 am
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The last time the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors faced off was during a thrilling conclusion to one of the most exciting NBA Playoff series in recent memory.
Nearly six months removed from Stephen Curry’s 50-point performance in Game 7 that sent Sacramento home from the postseason, the Kings and Warriors will play the first of two tune-up games beginning on Sunday night at Golden 1 Center.
It might not be the real deal yet, but Sacramento and Golden State will see each other plenty in the coming weeks.
Following Sunday’s matchup at Golden 1 Center, both teams will meet again three days later for another exhibition at Chase Center in San Francisco.
Once the preseason is out of the way, the Northern California foes will meet two times during the Kings’ first four games of the regular season. Three of the first four regular matchups between the two will take place before the end of November.
Sunday marks the beginning of a Kings-Warriors-heavy start to the 2023-24 NBA calendar, as this rivalry could grow even more during the season’s opening stretch.
Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors Game Info
When: 6:30 PM PST
Where: Golden 1 Center – Sacramento, CA
TV: ESPN, NBCSCA
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140 AM – Coverage starts at 5:00 PM on Game Night
Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Warriors coverage, beginning at 5:00 PM PST on Game Night before a 6:30 PM PST tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
Tickets: Click here
A Newfound Respect
Draymond Green doesn’t take the word “rivalry” lightly.
During the height of Golden State’s feud with the Memphis Grizzlies, Green threw water on Dillon Brooks’ notion that the Dubs-Grizz matchup was a rivalry.
When it comes to whether or not the Warriors have a budding rivalry with Sacramento, a team that pushed the then-defending-champs to seven games for the second time in the Steve Kerr era (2015-present), Green says the Kings have earned his respect and that a rivalry isn’t out of the question.
“You start talking about the basketball side of it, and that team gained my respect,” Green told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Zena Keita when asked about Sacramento during Warriors Media Day.
“There’s a lot of teams we’ve played over the course of this run, and they ain’t gained any respect. But that team gained my respect. They got a bunch of young, hungry guys led by De’Aaron Fox, who will be a superstar in this league. They’re hungry and they’re going after it, and I respect that.”
Although Green will not suit up for both preseason matchups against the Kings as he rehabs an ankle injury, it’s clear that this NorCal rivalry is indeed becoming a “circle the date on the calendar” type of affair.
More Minutes For The Core Guys
As we get closer to opening night, you can expect that Kings head coach Mike Brown will let the front of his rotation stretch out even further in Sacramento’s third preseason game.
De’Aaron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes, and Domantas Sabonis played 21-24 minutes during Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Brown normally increases workloads by five or so minutes per contest, so expect the core rotation guys to get a bump in that regard.
For starters, it’s likely to see guys log around 25 minutes against Golden State, with reserves like Davion Mitchell, Malik Monk, and Trey Lyles playing a similar amount in comparison to Wednesday’s game (15-18 minutes).
Keegan Murray’s Status
After missing Wednesday’s game agains the Lakers with a sore right thumb, Keegan Murray was back at practice on Friday afternoon.
Murray was sporting a wrap on his right hand, something that head coach Mike Brown said was a precautionary measure.
Brown said the injury is not a concern and Murray fully participated in practice, including the full-contact five-on-five portion. It’s likely that Murray suits up for Sunday’s action at Golden 1 Center.
Keegan Murray (thumb soreness) is participating in today’s practice. Sporting a wrap on his right hand. pic.twitter.com/qyNWbVP6Tn
— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) October 13, 2023
Sacramento Kings 2023-24 Preseason Schedule
- Sunday, October 15th – Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors – 6:30 PM PST
- Wednesday, October 18th – Sacramento Kings @ Golden State Warriors – 7 PM PST
- Thursday, October 19th – Sacramento Kings vs. Utah Jazz – 7 PM PST
Sacramento Kings 2023-24 Regular Season Schedule
- Tuesday, October 24th – NBA regular season begins
- Wednesday, October 25th – Sacramento Kings @ Utah Jazz – 6 PM PST (Season Opener)
- Friday, October 27th – Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors – 7 PM PST (Home Opener)
- Sunday, October 29th – Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers – 6 PM PST
- Wednesday, November 1st – Sacramento Kings @ Golden State Warriors – 7 PM PST
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