Warriors vs. Kings Preview: Build on the momentum

We’re all still riding the high of Steph Curry’s 62-point explosion against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night. But there’s more basketball to be played, so let’s hope the Dubs are able to lock back in.

The deets

Who: Golden State Warriors (3-3) vs. Sacramento Kings (3-3)

When: 7:00 p.m. PT

Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, California

TV: NBC Sports Bay Area

Projected starting lineups:

Warriors: Stephen Curry, Kelly Oubre Jr., Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, James Wiseman
Kings: De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes, Marvin Bagley III, Richaun Holmes

Last results:

Warriors: Beat Blazers 137-122
Kings: Lost to Rockets 102-94

Team ratings:

Warriors: 105.1 offense (23rd), 115.2 defense (27th), -10.1 net (29th)
Kings: 108.3 offense (14th), 109.5 defense (18th), -1.2 net (17th)

The story

On Sunday the Warriors had their first win against a good team all year. Not only was it a win, but it was a convincing one, as they led by double-digits most of the way.

It’s unclear where the Kings are in the NBA’s pantheon. They probably shouldn’t be good, but they have three mighty impressive wins — twice against the Nuggets, and once against the Suns.

Either way, after Sunday’s performance, the Warriors proved that they should beat a team like the Kings. But “shoulds” don’t always happen, and the Warriors can’t rely on Curry hitting 62 again.

Players to watch

Warrior to watch: Steph Curry.

Curry is always the Warrior to watch, so I normally avoid putting him in this section so we can focus on other players. But he shattered his career high on Sunday, right after people started questioning his greatness.

He doesn’t need to be that good every night, but he proved that he can carry this team to tantalizing heights, and put himself back in the MVP discussion. I’m excited to see how he builds on it.

King to watch: Marvin Bagley III.

Bagley is a wildly talented player, even if he’ll always play under the shadow of Sacramento drafting him ahead of Luka Dončić when everyone told them not too.

But things seem to be awkward in Kingsland, with Bagley’s dad recently tweeting at the team to trade his son.

He has the talent to take over a game, but also disappears for long stretches of time. The Warriors could get burned by him, or exploit him.

Matchup to watch: James Wiseman vs. Richaun Holmes.

Do you enjoy watching obscenely athletic centers? Then watch this matchup.

Keys to victory

• Don’t have a let down on a back-to-back after Curry’s performance
• Draymond Green has to play with the energy and defense that he had on Sunday
• Keep De’Aaron Fox from doing tons of damage in transition
• Have players knock down the open threes that Curry creates

Another winning streak? We’ll soon find out.