Venue: Golden 1 Center
Home: Sacramento Kings
Away: LA Lakers
22.12.2022, @06:00 AM (+03:00 UTC)
NBA betting scenario is complicated, you can see a lower-ranked team beat the one at the top of the table. For instance, a 33% win team in Orlando Magic defeated the top-ranked Celtics twice in a row and that away from home. Therefore, no bet is safe. Keeping that in mind, let us jump into the game between the Sacramento Kings and the LA Lakers.
Get Your Sign-Up Bonus!Sacramento Kings
The Kings come into this game after losing 119:125 against the Charlotte Hornets despite a 37 points outburst by De’Aaron Fox. This was a disappointing loss at home against a team that had lost nine in a row and was playing the second game on second night. The defense has been an issue for Kings which have conceded 123 or more in three of the last four games.
This leaking of points has been an issue but the Kings have a solid offense. Fox and Sabonis have combined well whereas Huerter, Barnes, Murray, and Monk have played solid supporting roles. The Kings have 16 wins and 13 losses but they have looked vulnerable against non-performing squads, an issue that needs to be corrected as this can lead to a big losing streak soon.
LA Lakers
The Lakers come into this game after losing 104:130 against the Phoenix Suns in a game where the team was missing its premier player LeBron James and all-around talent Russell Westbrook. The biggest loss has been once again of Anthony Davis, who is going to miss a month’s worth of action which is a big deal as he has been their most effective two-way player.
The Lakers have now lost 17 and won just 13. There have been some minor improvements but the Lakers are yet to win more than three in a row and their inability to stitch winning streaks has been their biggest issue. Their three-point shooting is the worst in the league whereas their defense is hit-and-miss, which has caused ruptures in the schemes of first-time coach Darvin Ham.
Injuries
- Kings: QUESTIONABLE: Domantas Sabonis, Harrison Barnes;
- Lakers: OUT: Anthony Davis, Juan Toscano-Andeerson. DOUBTFUL: Austin Reaves. QUESTIONABLE: Russell Westbrook. PROBABLE: LeBron James.
Expert Betting Tips
The Kings have looked imposing on the offensive end and the game-time decision related to Domantas Sabonis is huge as he is their best rebounder and can also score a ton of inside. The Lakers need to ride the wave without Anthony Davis and their vulnerabilities are on full display against sharpshooting teams like the Kings. I believe the Lakers will come up with a strong effort but I don’t think the Kings will still lose. I predict a scoreline of 123:116 in favor of the Kings.