Nobody saw the first-round series between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors playing out like this. And now, another curveball has been thrown into the fold.
Most anticipated that the reigning champion Warriors would take down the Kings, even though the former entered as the lower seed. Through two games, however, Sacramento has seized a 2-0 series lead. And with Draymond Green now suspended for Game 3, the Kings are in prime position to grab a 3-0 advantage and basically consign Golden State to an early exit.
But not so fast! Linemakers aren't ready to count out the Warriors just yet. Take a look at the latest and greatest odds on the 2023 NBA playoffs for Game 2 of this matchup:
As ever, please remember to double-check these NBA online betting odds before you actually submit your wager. Our Kings vs. Warriors betting odds are accurate as of Tuesday, April 18. That gives gambling sites plenty of time to make changes ahead of opening tip-off on Thursday, April 19, at 10 p.m EST. EST.
Of course, you don't have to worry about missing out on any last-minute alterations so long as you sign up with the right betting site. That's where our reviews of the top online sportsbooks can help. We've pored over every nook and cranny of the most popular odds providers. The information we should provide should help you easily spot the best online betting sites for the 2023 NBA playoffs.
Can the Warriors emerge victorious in a must-win Game 3 against the Kings without Draymond Green? Or will Sacramento figure out how to box Golden State into a 3-0 series coffin? Let's get to our Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors Game 3 predictions.
This is the Sacramento Kings' Chance to Send Another Message to the Golden State Warriors—and the Rest of the NBA
The NBA announced lated on Tuesday night that Draymond Green would be suspended for Game 3 after he stepped on Domantas Sabonis during the fourth quarter of Sacramento's Game 2 victory. This is, in no uncertain terms, absolutely monstrous. Green can be limiting on offense, but his defensive prowess is instrumental in keeping the Warriors afloat. Without him, they will need to get creative with their lineups to prevent the Kings from putting absurd pressure on the rim, both in the half-court and transition.
On the surface, that doesn't seem especially possible. Golden State can put Kevon Looney in the middle to start, like usual, but he's looked vulnerable in certain situations during this series. Their options wear thin after him. JaMychal Green has looked old, while both Anthony Lamb and Jonathan Kuminga are inexperienced.
The Warriors' best bet is probably leaning all the way into offense and inserting Jordan Poole or Donte DiVincenzo into the starting lineup for Green. And yet, even that move rings a little hollow. Poole has been terrible this series—he's reportedly dealing with an ankle injury—and DiVincenzo didn't attempt a shot in almost 13 minutes of action during Game 2. No matter what Golden State does, Green's absence immediately puts a ton of pressure on Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins to deliver epic performances.
Maybe that's not actually a problem. Curry, Thompson and Wiggins are nothing if not capable of holding down the fort. The Warriors are also playing at home, and they've lost just eight times at Chase Center all season. On top of that, the Kings have listed Sabonis as "questionable" with a sternum contusion he suffered as a result of Green stomping on him.
Still, we would expect Sabonis to play. He has already been laboring through a broken hand for months, and he finished Game 2 after the incident. And while it feels icky to predict that the reigning champs will fall behind 3-0, they haven't looked like a team capable of overcoming the loss of their second or third most important player. Plus, there's no guarantee the Warriors leaning all the way into offense will actually work. Sacramento ranks ninth in points allowed per possession on the road this season, so there's a chance it's defense can withstand Golden State's next punch. With a payout of almost 2-to-1, we're hopping on the Kings' bandwagon.
OSB Prediction: Sacramento Kings (+198)
Don't Underestimate Sacramento's Defense on the Road
Here are the latest NBA point spread betting odds for the Kings and Warriors in Game 2:
- Golden State Warriors, -6 (-110)
- Sacramento Kings, +6 (-110)
If the Kings' moneyline is too risky for you to stomach, we'd humbly recommend their point spread. The Warriors have been dominant at home, but defense has been a huge part of the success. Without Green, they will struggle to get stops against a team they're already having trouble slowing down.
Don't wait to pounce on the Kings' point spread, either. There's a strong likelihood oddsmakers will give Sacramento fewer points if it turns out Sabonis is a go.
OSB Prediction: Sacramento Kings, +6 (-110)
Linemakers are Expecting an Incredibly Explosive Game 2 Between the Warriors and Kings
Below you can see the latest NBA over/under betting odds for the Warriors and Kings in Game 2:
- Over 239 (-110)
- Under 239 (-110)
This is a really high benchmark. But we're betting the over on Kings vs. Warriors anyway.
Green's absence all but ensures the Warriors will be offense-first. And we already know that's how the Kings play. Golden State should get up more threes, and Sacramento should spend even more time in transition.
To be sure, our thoughts will change if Sabonis doesn't suit up for the Kings. Once more, though, we're assuming we will. And if that's the case, Golden State and Sacramento seem destined to go on a mutual offensive blitz. On top of that, if it makes you feel any better, Game 1 between the Kings and Warriors hit for 239 points exactly.
OSB Prediction: Under 239 (-110)
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