Kings vs. Warriors gameday: DeRozan’s debut and 3 things to watch for in preseason opener
DeMar DeRozan will suit up for the Kings for the first time when he makes his preseason debut against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday at Golden 1 Center in a game that will be televised by ESPN.
Anticipation has been building for weeks in Sacramento after the Kings acquired DeRozan over the summer in a three-team sign-and-trade deal. DeRozan is just as excited about sharing the floor with new teammates such as De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk and Keegan Murray.
“It’s been a great training camp,” DeRozan said. “A lot of competing, a lot of pushing. Everything is coming great. Just learning. Learning both ends of the floor, learning teammates, getting more comfortable. We’ve been playing a lot, so that’s been fun. Everything has been great overall.”
The Kings are missing Kevin Huerter (shoulder), Trey Lyles (groin), Jordan McLaughlin (ankle), Orlando Robinson (knee) and Devin Carter (shoulder) due to injuries, but Brown said everyone else is expected to play against the Warriors.
“Everybody’s going to play, not sure how much,” Brown said following Monday’s practice. “Our starters may just play the first half. We’ll figure it out as we get a little closer. ... Everybody’s busting their behind and we want to make sure everybody gets a chance to be on the floor, especially for a home game in front of our fans.”
Forward Isaac Jones, a two-way player who has impressed in training camp, said the Kings are excited to play a game after toiling in the practice facility over the past two weeks.
“It’s like Christmas,” Jones said. “It’s like we can’t wait to open our presents and play in front of the fans, so we’re just excited and happy to see everyone tomorrow.”
Here are three things to watch for in Sacramento’s preseason opener.
New-look Warriors
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green return for coach Steve Kerr, but the Warriors have changed since losing to the Kings in the play-in tournament last season. Chris Paul left to sign a free-agent deal with the San Antonio Spurs and Klay Thompson was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in a six-team deal that brought former Kings guard Buddy Hield to Golden State.
Sixteen candles
Curry and DeRozan are both entering their 16th seasons in the NBA.
Curry came out of Davidson as the No. 7 pick in the 2009 NBA draft. DeRozan came out of USC as the No. 9 pick.
Curry is 30th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 23,668 points. DeRozan is 31st with 23,582 points.
The G-Man
The great Gary Gerould is back for his 40th season as the radio voice of the Kings. The G-Man, as he is so affectionately known in the Sacramento region, will provide play-by-play on Sactown Sports 1140.
Warriors at Kings
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: ESPN, NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Kings -2.5
Over/under: 221.5
Injury report
Warriors: OUT — Andrew Wiggins (illness).
Kings: OUT — Devin Carter (shoulder), Kevin Huerter (shoulder), Trey Lyles (groin), Jordan McLaughlin (ankle), Orlando Robinson (knee).
Upcoming preseason schedule
Oct. 11 at Golden State Warriors
Oct. 13 vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Oct. 15 at Utah Jazz
Oct. 17 at Los Angeles Clippers
