Sacramento Kings vs Denver Nuggets Prediction: These two love to score a ton

The NBA scene has once again given us difficult scenarios and it is difficult to say which teams are the favorites considering how much the script flips daily. As we go deeper, trade scenarios are likely to come into play so it will be interesting to see what is the response ahead. But before all of that, there is this exciting game between the Sacramento Kings and the Denver Nuggets.

The Kings enter the game after losing 111:125 against the Wizards despite a 26 points outing by De’Aaron Fox. This was the team’s most disappointing loss(in my opinion) because they lost against a team with one of the worst records in the league. The Kings have lost two of their three games during the home stretch and they can’t afford such losses, especially at home. The Kings still have shown major improvements and have 17 wins and 24 losses.

The Kings have scored 120+ for most parts but have also given up these amount of points more than they’d like. Their pace has been among the best which means when they go full speed to the rim, returning back on defense is difficult. De’Aaron Fox has been doing his thing but it is Domantas Sabonis’ incredible rebounding activity and efficient scoring that has made the biggest difference. These two will be playing a crucial role if the Kings are to post a winning record after eons.

The Nuggets come into this game after winning a thrilling 128:125 in Overtime against the Phoenix Suns as Nikola Jokic dropped 41 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in what was one of the best performances seen in the 70+ years of the NBA. This win was the fourth straight for Denver and they improved to 21 wins and 11 losses. The Nuggets have been the most efficient team and work their possessions with precision and patience.

Their defense has also improved lately and the return of Michael Porter Jr. only brings more encouragement for their future prospects. This is a season where Jokic has finally gotten back his two key partners Jamal Murray and Porter Jr. The additions of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown have brought some significant changes and the management of the Nuggets should be applauded for such changes.

• Kings: OUT: QUESTIONABLE: Domantas Sabonis
• Nuggets: OUT: Jeff Green, Collin Gillespie. PROBABLE: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Nikola Jokic(28-34 Points), De’Aaron Fox(27-32 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Domantas Sabonis(12-18 Rebounds)- QUES, Nikola Jokic(12-15 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Nikola Jokic(9-12 Assists), Domantas Sabonis(8-11 Assists).

The Nuggets’ offense has had no answer thus far and their half-court scoring abilities are a clear indication that their system is built to perform in the Playoffs. For the Kings, they have also developed an amazing offense at a much faster pace than the Nuggets but unlike the Nuggets, the Kings have not been consistent at home. They will be playing at home and Sabonis’ availability is a big difference-maker especially as a rebounder who can keep Jokic off the boards. I believe Jokic’s squad will continue their awesome run to bag fifth in a row but this will be a close game in my opinion. I predict a 127:123 scoreline in favor of Denver.