The sixth-seed Golden State Warriors are set to face off against the third-seeded Sacramento Kings in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. Despite being the three-six series, which is generally lopsided in favor of the higher seed, the Kings are actually underdogs
This is despite having the greatest offense in NBA history and overachieving after missing the playoffs for 16 straight seasons. After all, the Kings are going up against the defending champion Warriors, who despite being wildly inconsistent this season, are capable of beating any team.
They have also struggled with injuries and personal absences but will enter the playoffs healthy and ready to roll. That being said, who will start Game 1 for Golden State?
Projected Warriors starting lineup vs Warriors Game 1:
- Steph Curry
- Donte DiVincenzo
- Klay Thompson
- Draymond Green
- Kevon Looney
While Andrew Wiggins is expected to play Game 1, he isn’t expected to start initially. The Warriors recently promoted DiVincenzo to the starting lineup, and coach Steve Kerr will likely continue to have him start for a few games while Wiggins finds his footing. Even without him starting, they have enough size in the front court, with Thompson, Green, and Looney all being comparable in terms of height to their Kings counterparts.
Curry will obviously be key to the Warriors’ offensive attack, and while he’ll be facing off against another all-star, Curry should have the advantage. However, perhaps the biggest matchup is how Looney will fare against the Kings’ other All-Star.
Projected Kings starting lineup vs Warriors Game 1:
- De’Aaron Fox
- Kevin Huerter
- Harrison Barnes
- Keegan Murray
- Domantas Sabonis
Sabonis has put up monster numbers this season and is likely Sacramento’s best player and best chance to attack the Warriors. Looney will guard him and is well known for his defensive ability, whether it be warding off drives or defending the paint. If he can keep Sabonis in check, Golden State’s chances of upsetting the Kings go way up.
Additionally, Fox, who is a six-year veteran, as well as rookie Keegan Murray, has yet to play in the postseason. That increases the odds of some uneven play by the Kings as they try to advance to the second round for the first time since 2004.
Overall, the Warriors are expected to be at full strength for the first time in months. That gives them their best chance of toppling a historic team.
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Author: Cal Durrett
April 15, 2023 | 8:30 am
