As both teams are more than likely not making the second season this year, games like tonight's between the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings almost become more important, vying for the all important bragging rights for Northern California basketball supremacy.
The W's rallied a heart-felt victory in Sacramento just last week, only hours after losing Monta Ellis and Ekpe Udoh for one of their more impressive victoires of the season. They've haven't had much success other than that, but can possibly take the season series 3-1 with a win at Oracle this evening.
As for the Kings, they've just wrapped up their franchise-long homestand of nine straight at Power Band Pavilion, going 5-4 over that span, led by the improved play of Isaiah Thomas in his starting role and DeMarcus Cousins being DeMarcus Cousins, who has averaged 20.5 points and 15.3 rebounds a game against Golden State this season.
If the W's want to earn themselves a win, they'll have to try and get it done in the paint. Over their last five Golden State has given up an average of 52 points in the paint, 20 more than they're scoring, and outrebounded by an average of 18. Their lack of size is certainly getting exploited, but hopefully can get the offense going early to try and ease the load on David Lee and the rest of the big men.
Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area and NBA TV.
For more on the Warriors, head over to Golden State of Mind.