Sacramento Kings vs Golden State Warriors Preseason Game Prediction and Preview | Oct. 11, 2024

The Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings will duke it out again in the NBA preseason — this time at the Chase Center on Friday (Oct. 11). Both teams fielded new looks and new strategies in their last meeting earlier this week as they gear up for the regular season.

The Warriors made their plans on offense clear when they sank 28 3s to break their franchise record of 27. Meanwhile, the Kings inserted DeMar DeRozan, their blockbuster signing this summer, and the seasoned veteran was off to a productive start with his new franchise.

The Kings fell short as the Warriors trounced their crosstown rivals 122-112, courtesy of sharpshooter Buddy Hield's 3-point barrage as he went 6-7 from beyond the arc. After being pegged as Klay Thompson's replacement following the 4x NBA champion's departure to Dallas this offseason, Hield looked promising on his debut with 22 points and three rebounds. Steph Curry had 13 points in 15 minutes, and Jonathan Kuminga propped up 16 points.

Sacramento's 'Big 3' shook off their rust as well with DeRozan notching up a team-high 15 points. Domantas Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox had 11 points each, while Malik Monk came off the bench to pour 13 points.

The Warriors and Kings split their last four results from the previous edition, and both of them failed to make the playoffs. Now, the Pacific Division rivals will look to fine-tune their plans before meeting each other next only in January 2025.

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Sacramento Kings vs Golden State Warriors Preview, predicted starting lineups, odds, and Prediction

The Golden State Warriors vs Sacramento Kings skirmish tips off at 10 pm ET. Local coverage will be on NBA TV and the matchup can be streamed live on the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.

Here's a quick look at the odds as listed at the time of writing.

Teams	Spread	Moneyline	Total (o/u)
Sacramento Kings	+2	o222.5 (-110)	+105
Golden State Warriors	-2	u222.5 (-110)	-130

Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off.

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Sacramento Kings vs Golden State Warriors preview

Thompson's departure has not changed the Warriors' primary objective. Steph Curry made it abundantly clear that the Dubs are looking to win a title, although early season previews list them as a midfield side that's nothing more than playoff contenders at this point. However, Golden State quashed all notions by letting it fly from the 3-point line giving the early impression that they will live and die by their downtown shooting.

The side has also made the right start to their preseason, winning both their games so far. While a clean sheet doesn't determine how good they can be in the regular stretch, the Warriors are one of the teams that need the new faces to adapt to Steve Kerr's pacy and relentless offensive approach quickly. They have four games after Friday to do that, but laying the groundwork for a productive regular season begins as early as the tune-up games.

The Warriors' defense will be in focus. While Draymond Green continues to be the key weapon on that front, it will be interesting to see if Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, and Gary Payton II can shore up efforts for the side on that end of the floor.

The Kings face the same issue the Golden State Warriors do: Defense. While their offense can be described as potent, their efforts on the defensive end cannot come from Sabonis alone. Keegan Murray has the potential to make the All-defensive roster, but that frontcourt cannot be a solid defensive side if they land in foul trouble — much of what took Sabonis' eye off the ball last season.

DeRozan is a facilitator and is clutch, but he is by no means a lockdown defender, and the same goes for Monk and Fox. For now, chemistry and depth are their pluses, unfortunately, defense isn't.

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Sacramento Kings vs Golden State Warriors predicted starting lineups

The Kings will likely field the same starting lineup. Keon Ellis and De'Aaron Fox form their backcourt. DeMar DeRozan and Keegan Murray share forward duties, and Domantas Sabonis comes in at center. Malik Monk, Alex Len, and Jalen McDaniels are their bench options.

Golden State will be starting Brandin Podziemski at point, while Curry slots in as SG. Kuminga and Hield will form the frontcourt, while Draymond Green at center is a possibility. Moses Moody, Kyle Anderson, De'Anthony Melton, Tryce Jackson-Davis, and Gary Payton II form their second-string unit.

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Sacramento Kings vs Golden State Warriors injuries | Oct. 11, 2024

The Golden State Warriors will be without Andrew Wiggins (illness). The forward is unlikely to suit up for Sunday's preseason skirmish vs the Detroit Pistons as well.

Per ESPN, the Kings have listed Kevin Huerter (shoulder) and Orlando Robinson (knee) as day-to-day. Trey Lyles and Jordan McLaughlin have been listed out.

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Sacramento Kings vs Golden State Warriors prediction

The Warriors may have shot lights out in their last game, but the Kings offense showed glimpses of what they are capable of. The synergy between Sacramento's big names is seen, and it's hard to imagine they will let another loss slide against the same team. Expect minutes reduction to continue for all top names from both sides and take the Kings for a bounce-back win.