Warriors vs. Kings Preview: David Lee will make his return against Sacramento

Golden State Warriors (22-3) vs. Sacramento Kings (12-15)

Oracle Arena - Oakland, CA

7:30 p.m. PST

Radio: KNBR 680 AM | TV: CSN Bay Area

Buddy Blog: Sactown Royalty

The Golden State Warriors have played stellar without fielding a complete roster of healthy players. Center Andrew Bogut underwent PRP therapy on his knee and will be out indefinitely. However with Bogut out for a significant amount of time, the Warriors will get an early Christmas gift as David Lee is expected to return according to Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle. For more information regarding Lee's return, take a quick peek at Nate's article if you have not already done so.

David Lee has only appeared in one game this season because of a nagging hamstring injury. While the Warriors have started off the season 22-3, the power forward's return could not have come at a better time. Bogut's absence certainly creates a huge void on both ends of the floor. Although Golden State has been able to manage without him, Lee's ability to facilitate and make plays will be greatly appreciated. I took a look at how the Warriors may consider utilizing David Lee in article a couple weeks ago here.

The Golden State Warriors cruised past the Sacramento Kings 95-77 in their first meeting of the season and should look to do the same again. Lately, the Warriors have done a better job with handling the ball and minimizing turnovers (10 in the last game). The team rebounded from their lost in Memphis against the Oklahoma City Thunder. A key stat to the game was 32 assists which was evident of the Warriors ball movement and sharing of the basketball.

DeMarcus Cousins has been on a tear since coming back from viral infection. The big man is averaging 28.0 points, 12.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals & 1.5 blocks in the past two games. Festus Ezeli, Marreese Speights, and maybe Ognjen Kuzmic will have their hands full, throwing different looks at Cousins. The Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson look to get going from downtown, but don't count out Ben McLemore who is shooting 40% from threes this year per ESPN Stats.

The lineup of Harrison Barnes, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala and Klay Thompson has played 28:34 minutes together according to Basketball Reference. Without Bogut, the small-ball lineup will likely be used in short stints. Look for the Warriors to push the pace and run the break after missed shots.

Golden State has won 17 of their last 18 games. Let's pack the Roaracle and make it another W!