Sacramento Kings vs Golden State Warriors Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 26/04/2023, 08:18  by Joseph King | Modified on 26/04/2023 at 08:19 in NBA Predictions

An extremely entertaining series between the two top-scoring offenses in the NBA enters game five of the Playoffs with the Sacramento Kings hosting the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference first round. Both teams have protected their home court so far meaning the series is all square at two games a piece as we head back to the Golden One Center with a 3-2 series lead on the line. Game four ended in a slim 126-125 win for the defending champions in a game that came down to the final shot as ex-Warrior Harrison Barnes was unable to convert at the buzzer. The Warriors eventually will have to overcome their abysmal away record if they are to advance to a second round matchup against either Memphis or the Lakers. The Kings are aiming to advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2004 after nearly 20 years of irrelevancy.

The news around the Kings camp has been the injury to star point guard De'aaron Fox, who appeared to fracture the index finger on his shooting hand. Fox has announced publicly that he will tough it out and play in game five, although it remains to be seen if that holds true come tipoff or how influential he will be should he take part. The 25-year-old is having his best year as a professional and has exploded in his first playoff series, averaging 31.5 points, 7.0 assist and 6.0 rebounds per game. The injury is a bitter blow to the Kings’ chances and the oddsmakers clearly agree, placing the Warriors as 1.44 favorites despite not having the series’ home court advantage heading into game five. Golden State looked like the Warriors of old in game four, finishing the game with 31 assists with the Splash Brothers duo combining for 58 points in the backcourt. It’s a good sign for Dubs fans with the offense appearing to be in full flow and having Draymond Green back in the team after serving his one-game suspension.