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3 major questions for Golden State Warriors v Sacramento Kings matchup

By Peter O'Keefe

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket past Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Golden 1 Center on October 27, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket past Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Golden 1 Center on October 27, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors will have a big opportunity to extend their momentum and three-game winning streak when the Sacramento Kings enter Chase Center on Wednesday night.

An unfortunate ankle injury to De’Aaron Fox has only increased the Warriors chances, with the Kings set to be without the All-Star point guard ahead of the teams’ second meeting over the last week.

The Golden State Warriors will look to continue their impressive start to the season when the Sacramento Kings visit on Wednesday.

Fox sprained his ankle late in Sacramento’s win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, having come after an explosive fourth-quarter against Golden State on Friday. The 25-year-old had 22 points in the final period, totalling 39 for the game that was ultimately bettered by Stephen Curry’s 41.

The Warriors will subsequently enter as clear favorites, particularly after their 122-114 victory at Golden 1 Center. Golden State have since regained Draymond Green too, but may be without Jonathan Kuminga again who missed Monday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans with a knee injury.

The 21-year-old is questionable for Wednesday’s game, with Dario Saric and Klay Thompson each probable. The latter missed the Pelicans matchup with his own knee concern after 29 minutes of play against the Houston Rockets on Sunday.

Klay Thompson is likely to return for the Golden State Warriors against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Klay Thompson is likely to return for the Golden State Warriors against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

3 major questions ahead of Warriors vs. Kings

1. Can Sacramento find offense without Fox?

The Kings struggled to find offense outside Fox on Friday night, shooting less than 44% from the floor and just 30% from three-point range. Without the impetus from their electrifying guard, who takes up the mantle?

Malik Monk scored 11 points in overtime against the Lakers on Sunday, presenting as a player the Warriors will have to lock in on. Golden State did a good job of forcing the 25-year-old into being a playmaker on Friday, limiting Monk to just nine points.

All-Star big Domantas Sabonis will have to find more offensively after an horrific first-round playoff series last season and less than 50% shooting on Friday. Look for Harrison Barnes and Keegan Murray to increase their output too, with the pair having combined for just 26 points on 21 shots in the first matchup.

2. Do the Kings have an answer for Stephen Curry?

Warrior superstar Stephen Curry has combined for 92 points across the last two outings against Sacramento, with Mike Brown perilous to stop the 35-year-old’s absurd shot-making.

The Kings tried to double-team Curry as much as possible in the fourth-quarter on Friday, something they’ll no doubt try to do more of on Wednesday. However, the 15-year veteran is coming off 42 points against the Pelicans and will be looking to continue his early push for a third MVP.

3. Will Steve Kerr go to his rookies again?

With Kuminga and Thompson out against the Pelicans, head coach Steve Kerr put faith in rookies Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis. The pair couldn’t have been more impressive in their first extended minutes, helping the Warriors to a dominant victory in the second-half.

In his NBA debut, Podziemski finished with five points, eight rebounds, two assists and was a +15 in just under 23 minutes. Jackson-Davis meanwhile looks like one of the steals of the draft, with the 57th overall pick recording 13 points, nine rebounds and four blocks in less than 20 minutes.

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The young duo certainly put their hand up for a more prominent role in the full rotation, creating some decisions to be made for Kerr. Podziemski may fall out with Thompson back in the mix, but Jackson-Davis may have to be rewarded after his huge game against the Pelicans.

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