NBA
Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Kick Off Time: 07.00 pm, PT Venue: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California SportsBoom previews the NBA Pacific division rivalry match between the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday, 22nd January 2025.
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Stephen Curry looks for a pass against Keon Ellis//Getty Images
With the season almost at its mid-point, anticipation, excitement and expectations are boiling ahead of tipoff, and NBA betting fans are already diving into the odds and assessing both teams, hoping to find the best value. For a detailed, in-depth look at the match, team analysis, best-value betting picks, key players on each roster and a review of recent and historical matchups, be sure to check out our full preview and place your bets on top sites for NBA betting.
The Sacramento Kings will host the Golden State Warriors in their second contest of the season, looking to continue their three-game winning streak that dates back to last season. The Sacramento Kings look like a team re-born, following the sacking of head coach Mike Brown. They were at risk of witnessing their season crumble, but things are promising since assistant coach Doug Christie took over the reins as the interim boss. The Kings have improved their record to 21-20 and are ranked ninth in the Western Conference, a noticeable improvement considering they were 13-18 at the time of Mike Brown’s firing.
On the other hand, the Golden State Warriors have hit a rocky patch after racing out of the blocks to begin the season. They are 11th on the standings, although a positive run of results may see them climb back into playoff contention, with the West positions jam-packed. The Warriors have been lukewarm, losing games they were tipped to win. They will have to sort out their cold-shooting streaks as well as their defense, which continues to hinder their aspirations of building a title-contending team around the legendary Stephen Curry.
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Golden State Warriors: 8/15 (1.53) - 65%
Sacramento Kings: 11/5 (3.20) - 31%
Forecast Odds – Betting available on Stake closer to event
Head-to-Head Record
The Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors have played 413 games in the regular season with 196 victories for the Kings and 217 for the Warriors. In the playoffs, they have played each other seven times, with the Warriors claiming eight victories to the Kings’ three.
Over a recent five-game stretch, the Kings have claimed three victories while the Warriors have claimed two.
LAST FIVE MATCHES
| Season | Date | Result |
| 2024/2025 | January 5th 2025 | Golden State Warriors 99-129 Sacramento Kings |
| 2023/2024 | January 25th 2024 | Golden State Warriors 133-134 Sacramento Kings |
| 2023/2024 | November 28th 2023 | Sacramento Kings 124-123 Golden State Warriors |
| 2023/2024 | November 1st 2023 | Golden State Warriors 102-101 Sacramento Kings |
| 2023/2024 | October 27th 2023 | Sacramento Kings 114-122 Golden State Warriors |
HOW IS THE SEASON SO FAR FOR BOTH TEAMS?
Sacramento Kings: Current Form – WLWWW
- Overall Record: 21-20
- Home Record: 11-12
- Away Record: 10-8
The Kings appear to have turned a corner on their 2024-25 NBA season, as they look to build upon an impressive string of recent results. While the firing of former coach Mike Brown came as a shock to the entire basketball world, Kings players have bought into the messaging from interim head coach Doug Christie, who holds a 7-2 record since taking over at the helm. This run has seen the Kings slowly climb up the Western Conference standings.
In those nine games under Christie, they have an impressive fourth-quarter scoring record against their opponents. They are yet to lose a fourth quarter under their new boss, as they have a 284-220 scoring record.
One notable difference that some players have attributed to the turnaround, is less practice, which they believe has helped them stay refreshed and ready for game days.
Their recent string of impressive results has been against some heavy hitters from both conferences. An example is an impressive 114- 97 away win over the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics at TD Garden and a close-fought wire-to-wire 132-127 home win against the second-seeded Houston Rockets.
The Kings will be looking to extend their winning streak against the Warriors and get back into contention for the Pacific division, which is experiencing tight competition among its five participants.
Moses Moody keeps the ball away from Malik Monk//Getty Images
Key Players to Watch
- De'Aaron Fox: De'Aaron Fox is a box-office talent and a bonified star in the NBA. For years he was putting up great numbers without the team's success to show for it. However, with decent roster additions that complement his game, Fox has evolved into an All-NBA player. Fox is averaging 26.3 points and 6.1 assists for the season.
- DeMar DeRozan: DeMar DeRozan is quietly having an effective season with the Kings, after joining the team in the offseason from the Chicago Bulls. Although he is the third-go- to star for the team, DeRozan is the second leading point scorer with 21.5 points per game. The mid-range specialist is sure to be a factor for this playoff-aiming Kings team, with his old-school style of play offering another alternative dynamic scheme to the team’s play.
- Domantas Sabonis: Domantas Sabonis’s inside-out threat has transformed this Kings team greatly. With the West blessed with an array of dynamic generational big men, the Kings also have one of their own. Sabonis is the team’s leading rebounds and assists leader and is in contention for a fourth All-Star appearance of his career.
Sacramento Kings Team News
Keon Elli ankle will be evaluated before the matchup and Jordan McLaughlin may be back with the team after being away due to personal reasons.
Golden State Warriors: Current Form – WLLWL
- Overall Record: 20-20
- Home Record: 10-10
- Away Record: 10-10
The Golden State Warriors have been competitive since breaking up the splash duo of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson during the offseason. The duo was instrumental to their dynasty that yielded four championships in six NBA Finals appearances.
The Warriors have surrounded Curry with valuable shooters and cutters. They’ve traded for Dennis Schröder, who brings added playmaking and perimeter defense. However, the Warriors are still a few pieces from true championship contention. Steve Kerr’s team is caught up in the trade rumors of a possible star acquisition that would maximize Curry’s elite years with championship contention. The franchise is a target destination for elite two-way Miami Heat Superstar Jimmy Butler, who has requested a trade from his team.
Draymond Green has been a great veteran to the young talent on the roster and Andrew Wiggins has re-discovered his form, which saw him be a valuable contributor to the Warriors Championship from two seasons ago. Jonathan Kuminga has balled out from the bench while averaging 16.8 points per game, while Buddy Hield has finally found a team that has defined his role and he is thriving.
The Warriors have had some grotesque performances that are partly responsible for their drop in the standings, an example being their 104-101 away loss to the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. However, they still have a decent record and with the unpredictable nature of the NBA, anything is possible.
Key Players to Watch
- Steph Curry: A lot of fuss has been made over the diminished abilities of Steph Curry over the recent weeks, but one thing is for sure, Steph is still one of the best players in the league. Steph can change a game at any moment with his ability to rain threes from an unlimited range, as evidenced by his Christmas Day matchup against Lebron James and the Lakers.
- Draymond Green: Draymond Green is the emotional leader of the Warriors. On his day, he is a nuisance to opposing teams, with his defensive tenacity and IQ. Green is also the playmaker on this team. He plays selflessly, with his stats toned down but his value to the team can’t be understated.
- Andrew Wiggins: Andrew Wiggins has been the Warriors' second-best player this season behind Steph Curry. Wiggins has finally re-discovered his championship-winning form from a few years ago. He has become a solid two-way player and a vital core to the starting unit. Wiggins is averaging 16.8 points per game this season.
Golden State Warriors Team News
Draymond Green is expected to be back after missing a couple of games as a result of illness, while Kyle Anderson’s hamstring injury will be reevaluated. Jonathan Kuminga remains in the middle stages of his recovery from an ankle injury and Brandin Podziemski has started running at full speed but isn't near a return from his abdominal injury.
Predicted Lineups
The line-ups may vary closer to the game, based on injuries and team dynamics.
Sacramento Kings Lineup
- Point Guard: De'Aaron Fox
- Shooting Guard: Malik Monk
- Small Forward: DeMar DeRozan
- Power Forward: Keegan Murray
- Center: Domantas Sabonis
Golden State Warriors Lineup
- Point Guard: Stephen Curry
- Shooting Guard: Dennis Schröder
- Small Forward: Andrew Wiggins
- Power Forward: Draymond Green
- Center: Trayce Jackson-Davis
Suggested Bets
The odds and actual betting lines will be available closer to the game.
Sacramento Kings to Win: This team has a higher chance to win, owing to a home-court advantage. Also, the Warriors have registered inconsistent, lukewarm performances recently, and considering that they are on the road, the favour further tilts toward the Kings.
Over total 225 points: The Kings are struggling in defense, however, their offense has clicked to its true potential, under head coach Doug Christie. Moreover, the Warriors are grappling with defense struggles. Therefore, this is anticipated to be a high-scoring affair.
Kings to Cover the Spread: Although the exact point spread remains undetermined at the time of writing, the kings might be favoured by a few points, due to their impressive recent form and home advantage.
Value Bets
As you make predictions and bets, keep an eye on the injuries and changes in the teams, as the actual odds and betting lines will be available closer to the event date.
Steph Curry – (To score over 5 three-pointers): Steph remains one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA; considering that he will be contesting against a team with weak defensive capabilities, he is likely to have explosive shooting moments.
Domantas Sabonis – (Over 20 points + 10 rebounds): Sabonis is an elite rebounder and is a two-time NBA rebounding champion. With the Warriors struggling with rebounds, he is sure to dominate the paint.
De'Aaron Fox – (Over 22.5 points): He is among the fastest players in the NBA and with the Warriors' perimeter defense wanting, he is sure to score easy points in transition and in crunch time.
Prediction: Sacramento Kings
The Kings have illuminated an offensive upsurge under their interim head coach Doug Christie and given the home-court advantage, they are likely to carry on their three-winning streak against the Warriors. Therefore, betting on them to secure a win is a reasonable option.
Ian Mugo Wanyeki is based in Nairobi, Kenya. He is a sports enthusiast with vast knowledge of different sport disciplines. Ian is a graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Kenyatta University. He is a Kenyan journalist who’s worked as a sports analyst at Covenant Television Network, as a sports reporter at NTV and as a Sports Correspondent/contributor at Quartz Africa.
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