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Warriors continue fight for playoffs vs. Kings

Apr 13, 2007 - 3:11 PM Golden State (38-40) at Sacramento (32-46) 10:00 pm EDT

SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) -- Stephen Jackson and the Golden State Warriors are nearing their first playoff berth in nearly 13 years. They hope a game against the lottery-bound Sacramento Kings improves their tenuous standing.

After three days off, the fast-paced Warriors try to move closer to a playoff spot when they face the slumping Kings, who may be without mercurial forward Ron Artest.

Golden State has won six of its last seven games, including a 126-102 over Utah on Monday. The Warriors are tied with the Los Angeles Clippers (38-40) and one game ahead of the New Orleans Hornets (37-41) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West with four contests left.

Golden State has not made the playoffs since 1994.

Jackson, who is averaging 20.1 points in his last six games, scored 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including 3-of-5 from the arc in Monday's win over the Jazz. Jackson may have an easier time on Friday with Sacramento's top defensive player questionable.

Hampered by a sore left hamstring, Artest missed the Kings' loss at San Antonio on Wednesday night. However, Artest's defense did not have much of an effect on the three previous meetings between the teams this season.

The Warriors, who have two of the three matchups, are averaging 113.0 points against the Kings this season.

Sacramento has lost 14 of its last 18 games, including the 109-100 setback to the Spurs Wednesday. The Kings will miss the postseason for the first time since 1998.