Last season, the Sacramento Kings were eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in a thrilling seven-game playoff series, culminating in a showdown in California’s capital.

Once more, the Warriors are set to face the Kings in a crucial Western Conference play-in game on Tuesday night, aiming to deny Sacramento a victorious end on their home court.

TRENDING

The Warriors are favored by 2.5 points, with significant support in both the spread-line and moneyline bets at BetMGM and BetRivers.

The initial 3.0-point favoritism at BetRivers has shifted to 2.5 points, reflecting the strong backing for Golden State in the betting market.

Prediction: The Warriors trio of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson are expected to lead Golden State to a victory over the Kings with a projected score of Warriors 115, Kings 108.

PROP PICK

Bet on Domantas Sabonis to surpass 12.5 rebounds at -152 odds on BetRivers. Sabonis has been a standout performer, averaging high rebound numbers throughout the season.

Sabonis’ previous matchups against the Warriors have shown his potential to excel in rebounding, making this prop bet an enticing choice.

THE NEWS

Green said he expects to be roundly booed again when he steps on the court in Sacramento. His playoff antics from last season have not been forgotten as part of an electric series in which the Kings won the first two games before Golden State recovered to win four of the final five.

Curry’s 50-point performance in Game 7 allowed the Warriors to advance, Green’s stomping on the midsection of the Kings’ Domantas Sabonis in the fourth quarter of Game 2 lives on as the series-defining visual.

“It kind of has brewed into (a rivalry),” said Green, “but for us, it’s another game we have to go win. We’ve got to get it done.”

Sabonis is having a monster season with 77 double-doubles, while teaming up with star point guard De’Aaron Fox to get the Kings in the playoffs for the second straight season after 16 consecutive fruitless campaigns.

The history of losing made last season’s postseason ouster feel even harsher for Sacramento.

“It’s exciting,” Kings guard Davion Mitchell said of facing Golden State. “We get to get a little payback for last year. We know they’re going to come here with energy. It’s a home game. We know it’s going to be loud. It’s going to be physical. I think we are ready for it.”

Sacramento floundered down the stretch with five setbacks in six games prior to hammering the visiting Portland Trail Blazers 121-82 in Sunday’s regular-season finale.

The Kings were eyeing a possible top-six playoff spot when they sat 13 games above .500 with just 11 games left. But a 4-7 finish landed Sacramento in the high-stakes 9 vs. 10 game.

“We welcome anybody that’s in front of us,” Sacramento coach Mike Brown said. “We are just excited about an opportunity to play.”

“And again, situations like this, we as a group right now, haven’t been through. And so to go play one game right now, that’s how I look at it and swing for the fences. Try to get a win.”

KEY STAT

The Warriors had a hot finish with 10 wins in 12 games, including Sunday’s 123-116 home win over the Utah Jazz. Golden State didn’t permanently get over .500 until Feb. 15. After being five games under .500 on Jan. 27, the Warriors went 27-12 the rest of the regular season.

SERIES HISTORY

The teams split four regular-season meetings this season — going 1-1 in both Sacramento and San Francisco.

THEY SAID IT

“We have a really good connection on this team, good chemistry, guys pulling for each other. So I’ve got a good feeling about what’s ahead,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “I think we still have a chance to do something special.

“Now, obviously, it’s (the) NCAA Tournament. We’ve got to get out of the first weekend here, win the first two and get to the first round, but we have a shot, so we’re excited about that.”

UP NEXT

Despite a late-season resurgence, the Kings face a tough challenge against the resilient Warriors, with playoffs hopes hanging in the balance for both teams.

The winner of the Warriors-Kings clash will advance to face either the Los Angeles Lakers or New Orleans Pelicans, with aspirations of progressing to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs.

Green exudes confidence in his team’s abilities to secure a win and progress further in the postseason.