The Sacramento Kings (24-52) will try to slow down the league’s top scoring team when they square off with the Golden State Warriors (54-21) at Golden 1 Center. The game will air on NBC Sports – California at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 31, 2018.
Golden State is an 8.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 211.5 points.
Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings Betting Prediction
The last time the Warriors played, they were defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks, 116-107. Milwaukee won the rebounding battle. The Bucks had seven offensive rebounds and 36 total rebounds, while the Warriors had two and 31, respectively. Quinn Cook led Golden State in scoring with 30 points on 12-for-15 shooting.
The Kings lost a close one to the Indiana Pacers in their last contest, 106-103. One of Indiana’s biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 18-20 (90.0 percent), while the Kings were just 6-9 (66.7 percent). Sacramento’s Willie Cauley-Stein put up 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists in the game.
Sacramento might struggle to score as they go head-to-head against one of the league’s best defenses. Golden State ranks ninth in defensive efficiency while the Kings rank 28th in offensive efficiency.
Golden State is 54-21 straight up (SU), but they are just 30-42-3 against the spread (ATS). Warriors games have a slight tendency to go under the projected point total (50.7 percent).
Meanwhile, Sacramento owns records of 24-52 SU and 36-37-3 ATS. Contrary to Golden State, games including the Kings have a slight tendency to finish over the O/U total (51.3 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Cook (17.8 points and 6.0 assists) has been great for the Warriors while Buddy Hield (18.8 points and 1.8 steals) has made great contributions to the Kings.
The Kings lead the season series against the Warriors two games to one, including a 98-93 victory the last time these teams met. Sacramento covered as a 9-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 191 points, which was 14.5 points below the projected point total of 205.5 points. Sacramento had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.2 vs. 20.0). Golden State, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (11.0 vs. 12.6). Hield had a standout performance in the victory, putting up 22 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings ATS Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Warriors, ATS Winner – Kings, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Golden State is 15-20-1 ATS on the road with 19 overs and 17 unders.
At home, Sacramento is 18-21 ATS with 20 overs and 19 unders.
Sacramento is 15-5 when they allow less than 100 points, while Golden State is 14-5.
The Kings are 17-21 when they score over 100 points, while the Warriors are 51-13.
Golden State ranks first in blocks per game (7.7) while Sacramento ranks 26th (4.1).
The Warriors rank first in assists per game (29.5) while the Kings rank 24th (21.6).
Sacramento ranks ninth in steals per game (8.0) while Golden State ranks last in steals allowed per game (8.8).
The Kings rank ninth in second chance points allowed per game (11.6) while the Warriors rank last (13.8).
Golden State ranks first in fast break points per game (19.8) while Sacramento ranks 21st (10.3).
The Kings rank fifth in points allowed in the paint per game (42.1) while the Warriors rank 23rd (46.9).
Golden State ranks 12th in three pointers allowed per game (28.9) while Sacramento ranks 29th (31.8).
The Kings rank 13th in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.7) while the Warriors rank 26th (18.6).
Golden State ranks fifth in rebounds allowed per game (42.1) while Sacramento ranks 18th (43.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Golden State is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Sacramento is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Warriors have been outscored by an average of 8.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Golden State has defeated opponents by an average of 6.8 points.
During their last five games, the Kings have scored an average of 97.6 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 101.8 points per game (4.9 below their season average).
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