It will be a battle between Pacific Division opponents when the Los Angeles Lakers (33-42) welcome the Sacramento Kings (24-53) to Staples Center. The game can be seen on NBATV at 9:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 1, 2018.
Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Prediction
In the Kings’ last matchup, they were topped by the Golden State Warriors, 112-96. Golden State’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Sacramento. The Warriors had a rate of 9.5 (better than their season average of 13.8), while the Kings posted a mark of 13.7. Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox had a solid performance, recording 15 points and eight assists.
The Lakers lost a close one to the Milwaukee Bucks in their last matchup, 124-122. Milwaukee’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Los Angeles. The Bucks had a rate of 10.1 (better than their season average of 12.5), while the Lakers posted a mark of 14.6. Los Angeles’ Kyle Kuzma had a solid performance, leading the team in scoring with 27 points on 11-for-20 shooting.
It will be a battle of conflicting styles as the fast-paced Lakers will look to push the more half-court-oriented Kings. The Lakers rank first in possessions per game while the Kings are 27th.
Sacramento holds records of 24-53 straight up (SU) and 36-37-3 against the spread (ATS). A little over half of the Kings’ games have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles is 33-42 SU and 39-35-1 ATS. Games including the Lakers also have a slight tendency to go over the projected point total (53.3 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Buddy Hield (18.2 points and 1.6 steals) has been great for the Kings while Julius Randle (21.4 points and 10.2 rebounds) has made great contributions to the Lakers.
The Lakers have won two out of three against the Kings this season, including a 113-108 victory in their last matchup. Los Angeles covered as a 1.5-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 221 points, which was just 0.5 points above the projected point total of 220.5 points. The Lakers had a better free throw rate (0.154 vs. 0.117) and had a better turnover percentage (9.1 vs. 9.8). In the victory, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led all scorers with 34 points.
Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Kings, ATS Winner – Kings, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Sacramento is 18-16-3 ATS with 19 overs, 17 unders and 1 push.
At home, Los Angeles is 20-16 ATS with 18 overs and 18 unders.
When holding opponents under 100 points, Sacramento is 15-5 and Los Angeles is 13-4.
In games where they score above 100 points, the Kings are 17-21 and the Lakers are 30-28.
Los Angeles ranks second in rebounds per game (46.4) while Sacramento ranks 28th (40.7).
The Kings rank fifth in points allowed in the paint per game (42.2) while the Lakers rank 29th (48.8).
Los Angeles ranks second in second chance points per game (14.3) while Sacramento ranks 22nd (11.4).
The Lakers rank second in fast break points per game (17.3) while the Kings rank 21st (10.4).
Sacramento ranks 10th in blocks allowed per game (4.6) while Los Angeles ranks 26th (5.5).
The Lakers average 29.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 15th in the NBA. The Kings rank 29th in three pointers allowed per game (31.7).
Sacramento ranks 12th in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.7) while Los Angeles ranks 26th (18.5).
The Lakers rank seventh in assists per game (23.9) while the Kings rank 21st in assists allowed per game (24.1).
Sacramento averages 7.9 steals per game, which ranks 10th in the league. Los Angeles ranks 22nd in steals allowed per game (8.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Sacramento is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Los Angeles is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Kings’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.2, down from 7.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 111.2 points per game (2.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 110.0 points per game (0.1 above their season average).
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