Phoenix Suns vs Sacramento Kings Prediction: The Suns look for rhythm, Kings showcase promise

The NBA carnival is now closing towards the All-Star Break after the league was taken by storm during the NBA trade deadline. There have been some interesting developments with the arrival of Irving and Durant in the Western Conference. Kevin Durant will be out of action for some more games though. Here, Durant-less Phoenix Suns clash against the Sacramento Kings.

The Suns enter the game after defeating the Pacers 117:104 as Deandre Ayton inserted 22 points. They have won four of their last five games and in an extended window, they have clinched 10 wins in their last 13 games. Their campaign was derailed when they hit two four+ game losing streaks in a short span, with the major reason being the absence of Devin Booker, their leading scorer. However, they have covered some crucial bases since then and their play has been much better on the offensive end. Acquiring KD in the trade gives them a great cushion despite a 31-wins and 27-loss record, but it will be interesting how he fits in with Devin Booker. So far in his career, Durant has shown the ability to adjust alongside another superstar.

The Kings come into the picture after defeating the Dallas Mavericks 133:128 as De’Aaron Fox put up 36 points. They have won three of their last four games and overall, they have a strong record with 32 wins and 24 losses. Fox is having another effective scoring season whereas he has gotten tremendous support from Domantas Sabonis, who can pin down boards and produce high-quality offense. Kevin Huerter can shoot the lights out whereas Harrison Barnes and Keegan Murray make for perfect complementary wing scorers. The bench has been breathing more life but largely remains inefficient.  

• Suns: OUT: Kevin Durant, Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet;
• Kings: OUT: KZ Okpala, Malik Monk.

The Suns are likely to get Booker for that game and that alone makes them the favorite for this match-up. On the other hand, the Kings have performed at an amazing rate against +50% win teams but their work is cut out. The two days rest window will help Sacramento but let us see how effective that is against the Suns, which will play at home and had an even bigger three-day rest. I favor the Booker-led Suns here. I predict a scoreline of 125:120 in favor of the Suns.