Sactown Sports predicts the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors matchup
Apr 14, 2023, 1:50 PM
A general view of the Sacramento Kings playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Golden 1 Center on March 27, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
For the first time since 2006, the Sacramento Kings are headed to the postseason.
Hosts and writers at Sactown Sports share their predictions as the Sacramento Kings get ready to take on the Golden State Warriors in round one of the NBA playoffs. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 15.
Amiliano Fragoso
Prediction: Warriors in 6
As great as this Kings’ season has been, we peaked too early.
Sacramento would have faced almost any other team in the West, other than Golden State if they could. Now they have to battle Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green coming off a world title last summer.
The Kings had a better chance if Andrew Wiggins was to remain out. But now that he’s back, the Warriors should have the upper hand here. Sacramento will have some shining moments (especially Game 1 at G1C) but the experience of Golden State will prove too much in the end.
The Kings put up a fight, but the Warriors in six feels about right for how this series plays out.
Frankie Cartoscelli
The Kings will defend its home court.
Sacramento has received a lot of criticism lately for struggling to win games at Golden 1 Center, but the playoffs will inject an increased sense of urgency into the Kings. Winning on the road has been a superpower for this team, but you have to take care of business at home in the playoffs. I think that they will.
Elsewhere in the NBA, I think it’s Milwaukee’s year. They’re relentless. Giannis will get his second ring, and the Bucks will secure its second title over the past three seasons.
Jason Ross
How do you predict the unpredictable? For many, the series between the inexperienced Sacramento Kings and the defending champion Golden State Warriors is an easy call. For me, it isn’t. I am trying to figure out why. My eyes show me that we will be watching several Hall of Famers wearing Golden State Warriors uniforms. My mind tells me that this team won last year’s title, has had four parades since 2015 and has won a ridiculous 18 straight playoff series against Western Conference opponents. I also am fully equipped with knowledge that the Sacramento Kings haven’t been in the playoffs since 2006. So, what gives, why is this a hard choice?
I can’t tell if my internal struggle is with my heart or my mind. This Kings team is good. They showed that through 82 games and it truly does appear like they are building something special. The Warriors battled through the 82 and might be able to flip that proverbial switch to ramp up to levels that the rest of the West just can’t get to. I am so uncertain that I really find this tough to call. Here is what I do feel safe to predict.
I think De’Aaron Fox is going to crush it on the big stage. De’Aaron has always had the appearance of a player that will shine the most in the biggest moments. He did it in the NCAA tournament in his only year at Kentucky. He did it through some early years with the Kings in game-winning situations. He has done it better than everyone this entire season with clutch points and I believe is ready to unleash on the NBA in this postseason.
Another huge piece to this series will be Andrew Wiggins. If the Warriors get the postseason and Finals version of Andrew Wiggins from a year ago, then look out. He makes the Warriors “whole” and can help take them to another level. Will he be able to do that after being out since the All-Star break?
Coach Brown vs. Coach Kerr. Steph, Klay, Draymond and crew vs. Fox, Sabonis, Murray and the rest of the Kings. This has the feel of something special. The first time these two organizations are in the playoffs at the same time, and they play one another. Wow! Let’s get this to 7 games and a 1 possession situation with time running out. I would sign up for that. Let’s Go!!!!!
Carmichael Dave
Because I am such a wack job about this team, I am nowhere near capable of making any predictions because either way I might be messing with the thing that sits atop the thing of superstitions.
So I predict that everyone will try their best and have fun and hopefully, no one gets hurt and we all hug at the end.
Nick Cattles
It’ll go six games. That’s all I’ve got. Haven’t landed on a winner yet.
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