It’s pretty hard to believe that the two NorCal opponents have never faced off in the Western Conference playoffs, not even once. With only about 90 miles distance between the two franchises, Golden State and Sacramento looks to be the most intriguing series matchup in the first round. So intriguing that tickets for the first playoff game in Sacramento since 2006 are going as low as $427 (I understand how sarcastic that sounds). Here are three x-factors to keep an eye on while watching this historical series:

The return of Andrew Wiggins
Andrew hasn’t played with the Warriors since February 13th due to a family matter but there is good news. The 2022 All-Star selection is back in basketball shape since he has been practicing with the team for the two weeks leading up to Game 1 in Sacramento. That’s 3x3, 5x5, the works.

It is more than likely that Wiggins will return to his normal self and become a two-way force throughout this series thanks to the gradual ramp-up of his workload at practice. His conditioning should be right back to normal, perfectly in time to take on the Kings in this best-of-seven series.

His toughness on the defense end towards De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, and Kevin Hurter will be much needed. It is essential if the Warriors want to win their 5th title since 2015.

Draymond Green up against Domantas Sabonis
This matchup looks to be the most important. If Green can shut down the 3x All-Star in the post and cut off his kick-outs to the wings/corners, the Warriors will have a major advantage.

Green’s postseason experience is definitely vital in winning this particular matchup. He has 145 playoff game appearances compared to Domas’ mere 13. Draymond won’t be overwhelmed by anything that Sabonis or the Kings throw at him since he’s seen it all before.

Kevon Looney will also have his hand at trying to quiet Domantas Sabonis when Green is off the floor. The former Gonzaga Bulldog will have a couple of bruising weeks in thanks to those two down on the low block.

Golden State’s underwhelming road defense versus Sacramento’s overwhelming transition defense
Whichever team can improve on their weakest regular season mark will come away with this series. 

For the Warriors, it all starts on guarding the perimeter. Allowing opponents to shoot 40.1 3P% on the road simply won’t cut it. With GPII making his return two weeks ago, the perimeter defense should be improving and has since he made his way back to the court. Along with Andrew Wiggins rejoining the team, the overall defensive mentality from Golden State should look much better than it has throughout the majority of the regular season.

As for the Kings, they boast the lowest fast-break points allowed per game at 11.5. The Warriors obviously have a fast-paced offense but haven’t been very successful this season when trying to score in transition. Golden State needs to try to go back to their old ways, push the rock even harder to try to expose this part of Sacramento’s identity.

If the Kings can come away defensively in those situations, the Warriors will be in big trouble. Expect a fast-paced series from these two adversaries. Definitely some fun basketball ahead.

Follow Arden Cravalho on Twitter @a_cravalho.

(Photo credit: Noah Graham / Getty Images)