On the night of March 13, 2025, the Golden State Warriors are set to host their cross-town rivals, the Sacramento Kings, at the Chase Center in San Francisco. This highly anticipated matchup will tip off at 10 p.m. Eastern Time and is being broadcast live on TNT and truTV. With both teams currently battling for playoff positioning, the stakes are high for this Pacific Division clash.
The Kings are coming off a disappointing 133-104 loss to the New York Knicks on March 10, and they will be looking to bounce back without their star center, Domantas Sabonis. Currently out with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, Sabonis will miss his sixth consecutive game. Before his injury, Sabonis was having an impressive season, averaging 19.5 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 6.2 assists over 56 games. His absence is expected to be felt significantly against the Warriors.
Even with Sabonis sidelined, the Kings (33-31) still have notable talent to rely on. Shooting guard Zach Lavine, who was acquired from the Chicago Bulls, has been instrumental with averages of 23.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Small forward DeMar DeRozan has also been performing well, contributing 22.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 4 rebounds.
On the other side, the Warriors (37-28) are riding high after winning five consecutive games and ten out of their last eleven. Their recent momentum includes a strong 130-120 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on March 10. Guard Stephen Curry leads the Warriors, averaging 24.5 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. He built on his statistics with impressive performances, scoring 40 points against the Brooklyn Nets and adding 21 points and 10 assists against the Charlotte Hornets.
Adding to their offensive strength, the Warriors recently welcomed newcomer Jimmy Butler to the lineup. Since being traded from the Miami Heat, Butler has averaged 17.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. His contributions have been pivotal, especially during this stretch where the team seeks to solidify their playoff position.
The Warriors enter the game as 7-point favorites, according to SportsLine consensus, with the over/under for total points set at 233.5. Golden State is -287 on the money line (risk $287 to win $100), with Sacramento listed at +232 (risk $100 to win $232). The Kings have shown some resilience against the spread, going 7-3 over their last ten games.
"We’re feeling good and ready to go against the Kings. We know it’s going to be tough without Sabonis on their end, but we’re prepared for anything," said Curry confidently before the game.
Both teams will also be keeping an eye on injuries. The Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga, who has been out since January 4 with a right ankle sprain, is listed as probable. His return would provide the Warriors with another scoring option and depth as they push for playoff placement.
The Kings, on the other hand, believe they can secure the win even with their star sidelined. Coach Mike Brown praised the team's depth: "Zach and DeMar have been stepping up for us and we believe we can compete. We’ve shown we can play well against tough opponents. We need to put Monday behind us and focus on what’s next.”
The historical rivalry between the Kings and Warriors adds another layer to this matchup. Just last year, the teams faced off in the first round of the NBA playoffs, with Golden State narrowly getting the upper hand after seven intense games. Sacramento later turned the tables by knocking Golden State out of the playoffs during the 2024 NBA play-in. With each side having something to prove, tonight's showdown at the Chase Center promises to be electric.
Looking at the bigger picture, this game is also about playoff seeding. Currently, the Warriors sit sixth in the Western Conference, just above the dreaded play-in zone, but only two wins above the Kings, who sit ninth. The outcome of this game could have significant ramifications as teams eye the last stretch of the season leading to the playoffs.
It’s not just about winning; it’s about momentum. The Warriors hope to extend their winning streak and solidify their standings, but the Kings are desperately seeking redemption. When these two California teams face off, the atmosphere is electric, and both fan bases are eager to see their squads clinch an important victory.
Once the clock strikes 10 p.m. Eastern, all eyes will be on the court as the Warriors battle the Kings with playoff stakes on the line. For fans wanting to watch live, streaming options are available through DirecTV Stream and Sling TV, allowing viewers to catch all the action as it happens.
With the teams set for battle and the playoff race heating up, this contest between the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors is not just another regular-season game—it's a pivotal matchup sure to have lasting effects on their postseason aspirations.