Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings, Game 1: Lineups, prediction, live stream info

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Warriors and Kings are set to begin an exciting series on Saturday night. Here is all you need to know prior to Game 1.

The Kings are officially putting an end to the longest-standing playoff drought of 16 seasons. The fans of Sacramento have waited a long time for this moment and it should make for a special atmosphere. Will the Warriors be able to match the energy in the arena?

With these two teams separated by an hour and 30-minute car ride, plenty of Warriors fans should be there to represent the reigning NBA champions. The Warriors finished with the worst road record of any playoff team since 1991-92, but they have also won a road playoff game in 27 straight playoff series.

Warriors vs. Kings projected starting lineups:

Andrew Wiggins has been cleared to play for the Warriors for the first time since Feb. 13. It has been reported that he is expected to come off the bench in his return. Harrison Barnes suffered a minor ankle injury during practice on Wednesday, but he should be good to go for Game 1. These are the anticipated lineups:

Golden State Warriors

·      PG – Stephen Curry

·      SG – Donte DiVencenzo

·      SF – Klay Thompson

·      PF – Draymond Green

·      C – Kevon Looney

Sacramento Kings

·      PG – De’Aaron Fox

·      SG – Kevin Huerter

·      SF – Keegan Murray

·      PF – Harrison Barnes

·      C – Domantas Sabonis

How to watch Warriors vs. Kings in the NBA Playoffs

Date: Saturday, Apr. 15

Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

Location: Sacramento, CA

Arena: Golden 1 Center

TV Channel: ABC, ESPN+, FuboTV (free seven-day trial)

Warriors vs Kings prediction:

The Kings come into this series as the biggest underdog of any top-3-seeded team in the first round of the NBA playoffs in 35 years. However, this team cannot be overlooked. They’re a well-coached team; they play hard and are hungry. Not to mention, the Kings finished with the best single-season offensive rating by a team in NBA history.

The greatness of Stephen Curry and the Warriors’ championship pedigree cannot be overstated over overlooked in a best-of-seven series. Though, the crowd in the Golden 1 Center will certainly be heard and impact the Kings’ first playoff game since the 2005-2006 season. I foresee Mike Brown having his team prepared to make a statement early on in the series and on their home floor to take Game 1.

Next. Best NBA prop bets for Hawks vs. Celtics Game 1. dark

Check out The Step Back for more news, analysis, opinion and unique basketball coverage. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our daily email newsletter, The Whiteboard.