Preview of Warriors (17-21) vs Kings (14-27)

Just by looking at their records, everyone should be excited. The Warriors can match a season high three game win streak by beating the Kings and move closer to .500 for the season. Some of the games even went into overtime, including the last one, when Warriors’ guard, Klay Thompson hit a three to send the game into overtime. The Warriors lost that matchup but it was only days after the Warriors fended off the Kings for a 97-93 win, four days earlier.

The Warriors will be most likely without Stephen Curry, who is listed day to day. But after his performance against the Clippers (10 minutes) it may be wiser to continue to rest him for that ankle to come as close as fully healed. He has been injured plagued and hasn’t been much help this season. While that is disappointing, much of the burden has fallen on Monta Ellis. Not only has his name been swirling in the rumor mill, but he’s had some personal issue this season (sexual harassment suit, his grandmother passing). But he’s channelled his anger (if he has any towards any of the reasons) into playing spectacular on the court. In the last 10 games, he’s averaged 21 points, 1.5 steals, 3.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists. In the two games against the Kings, Ellis has played a little below average, giving about 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals.

Luckily, Ellis has David Lee to help him out. Lee has been a pretty steady rock for the Warriors. While he is not dominate like Andrew Bynum or even Chris Bosh, he has had more double doubles than any Warrior this season. And with the emergence of Ekpe Udoh, it has given the Warriors something they have been lacking in a long time, an interior presence. Nate Robinson has emerged as a great Warrior (all pun intended) and will be looked at to continue to provide a scoring punch off the bench and an energy spark.

March 11, 2012; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at the Power Balance Pavilion. The Hawks defeated the Kings 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

March 11, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) shoots a basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

VS

Projected Starting Lineup                                                                                                                     Projected Starting Lineup

  PG) Stephen Curry                                                                                                                                   PG) Isaiah Thomas

  SG) Monta Ellis                                                                                                                                        SG) Tyreke Evans

  F) Dorell Wright                                                                                                                                       F) Marcus Thornton

  PF) David Lee                                                                                                                                           PF) DeMarcus Cousins

  C) Ekpe Udoh                                                                                                                                              C) Jason Thompson