Kings game plan vs. Golden State Warriors
KINGS (16-26) AT
WARRIORS (34-6)
THE PARTICULARS
Where: Oracle Arena
Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV/radio: CSNCA, 680, 950, 1140
THREE KEYS
1. Own the pace: The Kings are trying to use an up-tempo offense, but this might be one game in which a slower pace would serve them better. The Warriors lead the NBA in possessions per 48 minutes, points and fast-break points per game. If this becomes a track meet, it may be hard for the Kings to keep up.
2. Protect the ball: One way the Warriors create those fast-break chances is with aggressive defense – they force the fifth-most turnovers in the league and are second in points per game off turnovers (19.6). The Kings have to avoid careless turnovers that would let Golden State run in the open court.
3. Avoid the run: Teams have played the Warriors close at times this year, only to have Golden State go on a sudden run. The last time these teams met, the Warriors pulled away with a 17-0 run in the first quarter. The Kings can’t let things get away that early.
PROJECTED STARTERS
KINGS
No. | Player | Pos. |
7 | Darren Collison | PG |
23 | Ben McLemore | SG |
8 | Rudy Gay | SF |
34 | Jason Thompson | PF |
15 | DeMarcus Cousins | C |
WARRIORS
No. | Player | Pos. |
30 | Steph Curry | PG |
11 | Klay Thompson | SG |
40 | Harrison Barnes | SF |
23 | Draymond Green | PF |
12 | Andrew Bogut | C |
Matt Kawahara
This story was originally published January 22, 2015 at 6:21 PM with the headline "Kings game plan vs. Golden State Warriors."