Full NBA Play-In Tournament schedule, preview, and predictions
By Ben Handler
10. Golden State Warriors @ 9. Sacramento Kings - Tuesday, April 16th, 10 PM EST - TNT
The first elimination game provides an enthralling matchup and a rematch of a first-round series from last postseason that went seven games. The Warriors ultimately won that series but it required an epic game 7 performance from Steph Curry and an injury to De’Aaron Fox.
Some of the fun has been sucked out of this matchup due to injuries on the Kings’ side as they’ll be without two of their best role players, Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter. Those two provide a huge scoring and shooting spark for this team that will be tough to replace. Their absences are big reasons why the Kings faltered down the stretch, falling all the way to ninth in the standings.
The Warriors have played very well down the stretch and have absolutely zero fear of this matchup. They did a number on Domantas Sabonis last season and they’ll do it again, forcing Fox to beat them. He’s capable of doing so, but it would take a Herculean effort and I just can’t see it.
Sadly, the good vibes have mostly been sucked out of the Kings and I see them bowing out with a whimper at home. It’s a sad ending for this squad, a fate they really don’t deserve. But it’s probably best for the front office to take a look in the mirror and realize this roster needs to get a lot better.