Warriors vs. Kings series prediction and odds (Trust the defending champs)

The Golden State Warriors are looking to defend their title this season, but they’ve put themselves in a tough position as the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference.

Golden State will play the No. 3-seeded Sacramento Kings in the first round of the playoffs, their first playoff appearance since the 2005-06 season.

The Kings finished the regular season with the best offensive rating in the NBA, and they’re looking to show that their season wasn’t a fluke by taking down the defending champs.

Golden State is favored to win this series, but the team is going to need to win a road game to do so. The problem?

Well, the Warriors went just 11-30 on the road this season.

Here’s a look at the latest series odds and my best bet for the Warriors-Kings matchup:

Warriors vs. Kings series odds

Warriors vs. Kings correct score (Exact outcome odds)

Warriors vs. Kings series prediction and pick

Yes, the Warriors have struggled on the road, but this core also has one of the most impressive playoff streaks to date.

Golden State has won a road game in 27 consecutive playoff series, and NBA record.

So, I don’t put too much stock into the team’s regular season road struggles especially since the squad was rarely at full strength.

Andrew Wiggins, who barely played for the Warriors in the second half of the season, is expected to return for the playoffs, and Golden State enters the postseason as winners of eight of its last 10 games.

The team is hot at the right time, and the Warriors have a ton more playoff experience than this young Kings team.

Both of these teams love to play uptempo this season, and while the Kings’ put up a better offensive rating, I think there is another gear that Golden State can go to in the playoffs.

Give me the defending champs in six.

—

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.