The NBA season is only a week old and I’m already sick of playing the Warriors. Golden State came in and thoroughly beat the Kings in Sacramento last Friday, and now the Kings have a chance to hopefully do the same to them in San Francisco. It will be an uphill climb though as they’ll have to do so without star De’Aaron Fox, who is out with a sprained right ankle he suffered in Sunday’s overtime win against the L.A. Lakers.
Let’s talk Kings basketball!
When: Wednesday, November 1st, 7:00 PM PT
Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Three in the Key
Next Man Up
Without De’Aaron Fox, the Kings are going to need someone to step up and fill that void. On Sunday, it was Malik Monk, who scored 11 points in Overtime and handled primary playmaking duties. While I think the Kings will probably start Davion Mitchell in Fox’s absence, Monk will probably spend quite a bit of time at the point as well. Monk was Sacramento’s second best player last April in the playoff series against the Warriors and hopefully the Kings can get the same kind of production from him tonight. For Mitchell, this is a chance to showcase some offensive improvement, as he’s been disappointing on that end of the floor so far through three games.
It also sounds like rookie Colby Jones will be seeing some time on the court as the Kings look to fill Fox’s minutes. Jones showed in the preseason that he’s got some decent playmaking chops so this could be a big opportunity for him to make a case to be in the rotation.
It won’t just be the guards though. Domantas Sabonis will continue to be the engine for the team, and guys like Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter will also need to be on point. Keegan Murray will also likely continue to take on a heavier offensive burden. It’s going to take an entire team effort on both ends of the floor to win this game.
The Curry Problem
Steph Curry is 35 years old and in his 15th NBA season and is showing no signs of slowing down. He’s on a torrid pace to start this season, averaging 33.5 points on 55.8% from the field and 47.1% from three (on a ridiculous 12.8 attempts a game). In Friday’s home opener loss, the Kings had no answer as Curry scored 41 points and made 7 of his 10 three point attempts. The Kings can’t afford to let him get comfortable, and the Kings will probably make some adjustments to keep the ball out of his hands as much as possible. The Warriors have other good players, but I’d rather the Kings dare those guys to beat us than allow Curry to go nuclear once again.
Keegan Murray, go to scorer?
I’m going to be very interested to see how Keegan Murray plays tonight in Fox’s absence. The Kings have been asking him to be more aggressive in looking for his own offense, and so far that has definitely been the case, although his overall efficiency has taken a dip as a result. Last week against the Warriors he had a particularly rough shooting game, going just 3-11 from three and 6-16 overall, but several of those shots just barely missed. Without Fox, Murray will probably have to shoulder an even bigger offensive burden and I’m hoping he’s up to the challenge.
Prediction
Harrison Barnes redeems himself for Game 4 of last year and hits a buzzer beating three to give the Kings the walk away victory.
Kings 116, Warriors 115
Once again it’s the Dubs at their place
As we visit their home court, the Chase.
We won’t have D Fox,
Till he’s cleared by the docs,
Just one more big hurdle to face!
+1 We’re facing Curry again?!
I think we’ve faced the Warriors in 11 of our last 16 games between the playoffs, preseason, and regular season. I’m feeling ready for them to face some other teams for a while.
I’m less concerned about Fox as I am about whether Filip Petrušev will be in uniform. My predictions hinge on it.
Gonna be tough tonight, but at least our opponents get easier the next few games.
So the 76ers drafted this kid in 2021, didn’t sign him until July of THIS year, he plays in one game, gets traded to the Clips as part of the Harden deal, and now lands on the Kings. What a wild ride. I kind of feel bad for the kid.
That fact that the Sixers signed him, makes me think he may be NBA worthy…or was he just a cheap live body to round out the roster?
I guess he might’ve caught the Sixers eye from what they saw from him overseas?
Shot 52% from 3 on 3.3 attempts per game over 24 games for Serbia.
So what are the Kings sending back? There has to be something, right?
So is he good or bad or unknown?
Adding another shooter is always handy
TBH, I don’t feel good about this game.
Without Fox specifically, Murray will see a non-stop rotation of Wiggins and Kuminga guarding him tonight which potentially could dramatically lower his scoring output. Had anyone else but Fox been injured, I don’t think it would’ve make as big a difference but without Fox to take the Dubs best defensive player (and still be able to put up 30), they will be swarming Murray and trying to keep the ball out of his hands which I believe will lead to some out-of-character bad shots tonight.
Maybe a big learning moment though, can’t wait to see how he handles the additional pressure.
Agreed. I see this as a “who’s next” moment for the Kings. I don’t expect to win but am eager to see who steps up.
Badge Legend