Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings preview: Trying to avoid .500

Golden State Warriors (9-8) at Sacramento Kings (4-10)

3 p.m.

Sleep Train Arena - Sacramento, CA

TV: CSN/HD Bay Area | Radio: KTCT 1050 AM

Buddy blog: Sactown Royalty

In theory, we might look at the records or rosters for the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings and just assume an easy win for the Dubs.

However, these games always seem to manage to end up being closer than they should be somehow or another, especially when it comes to the Warriors playing in Sacramento: the last time the Warriors won there was March 2012.

There's no need to dwell too much on the past because this year's version of the Warriors is arguably the best team the franchise has seen in decades (especially when healthy) despite needing a win today to avoid .500. But this game is important nonetheless: the Pacific Division, let alone the Western Conference, is extremely important and these are the type of games the Warriors will have to win if they want to compete for home court advantage in the playoffs.

After a hard-fought loss in Oklahoma City following a poor performance in Dallas, we should expect the Warriors to come out hungry today and get a win.

Predictions:

• Steph goes off for 30 (and lets Draymond tell Isaiah Thomas about it).
  
• Klay Thompson shoots over 50% from the field for the first time on this road trip, accepting former coach Michael Malone's challenge.
  

  Michael Malone praised Klay Thompson's improved defense and low-post game, and then added, still: "He’s never seen a shot he doesn’t like."

  — Rusty Simmons (@Rusty_SFChron) December 1, 2013

  
  
• Warriors win by 12, finishing the road trip on a high note.