The Sacramento Kings have started their 2023-24 campaign in the win column as they took down the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. On the contrary, the Golden State Warriors took one to the chin as the Phoenix Suns spoiled their season opener on Tuesday night.
The Pacific Division rivals are set to face off Friday night in a rematch of the intense first-round 2023 playoff matchup, where the Warriors sent the Kings home.
While fans wish for a fair, injury-free matchup, the Warriors are set to be at a disadvantage heading into game time. Warriors F Draymond Green is ruled out of Friday night’s game with an ankle injury, per Steve Kerr.
Warriors at Kings Full Injury Report
Warriors
F Draymond Green – OUT (ankle)
Kings
F Trey Lyles – OUT (calf)
F Jalen Slawson – Questionable (illness)
While the Warriors will be without Green, the Kings will miss their backup big man Trey Lyles. Neither Lyles nor Green have made their 2023-24 season debut due to injuries, as both fanbases hope their forwards can make quick recoveries and return to action soon.
Green, a four-time All-Star and four-time NBA Champion, is a substantial loss for Golden State in a tough game visiting Golden 1 Center. The Warriors need their other stars to step up to avoid falling to 0-2.
The Kings looked sharp in their season opener without Lyles, as their bench frontcourt of F Sasha Vezenkov and C JaVale McGee stepped up in his absence.
The Kings still have their 2023 playoff exit in the back of their minds, as they might not be looking for “revenge” per se, but they are looking to make a statement Friday night.
