It will be a battle between Pacific Division opponents when the Sacramento Kings (12-22) welcome the Phoenix Suns (13-23) to Golden 1 Center. The game will air on NBC Sports – California at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, December 29, 2017.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 209 points with Sacramento set as a 1-point favorite.
Phoenix Suns at Sacramento Kings ATS Prediction
The Suns will be hoping for a similar result after barely hanging on to beat the Memphis Grizzlies in their last matchup, 99-97. Getting to the free throw line was one of Phoenix’s largest strengths. They had 35 free throw attempts, six more than Memphis. Phoenix was led by Devin Booker, who was the game’s leading scorer with 32 points on 9-for-21 shooting.
The last time the Kings played, they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 109-95. The Kings, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.497, had a solid mark of 0.595 and held the Cavaliers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.5 (below the 24.2 mark opponents have averaged against Sacramento this season). Vince Carter was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 10-for-12 shooting.
Contrasting styles will be on display in this meeting. Phoenix has preferred a fast-breaking style of play (third in possessions per game), while Sacramento has been slower-paced (28th in possessions per game).
Phoenix heads into the game with records of 13-23 straight up (SU) and 18-17-1 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Suns have gone over the total 50.0 percent of the time.
Meanwhile, Sacramento is 12-22 SU and 15-16-3 ATS. Kings games have no tendency in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
The two teams have split their two matchups this season. The Kings won the most recent matchup 99-92, covering as 5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 191 points, which was 19.5 points below the projected point total of 210.5 points. The Kings made 16 of their 22 free throws (72.7 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (8.4 vs. 11.1). Zach Randolph had a standout performance in the victory, putting up 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Phoenix Suns at Sacramento Kings Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Kings, ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Phoenix is 10-6-1 ATS with 9 overs and 8 unders.
At home, Sacramento is 8-6 ATS with 8 unders and 6 overs.
When holding opponents below 100 points, Phoenix is 5-2 and Sacramento is 7-2.
The Suns are 9-14 when they score more than 100 points, while the Kings are 8-4.
Phoenix ranks fourth in rebounds per game (45.6) while Sacramento ranks 27th (39.9).
The Kings rank sixth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.9) while the Suns rank 27th (18.8).
Sacramento ranks eighth in blocks allowed per game (4.5) while Phoenix ranks 26th (5.4).
The Kings rank 11th in points allowed in the paint per game (42.4) while the Suns rank 29th (48.9).
Sacramento ranks 11th in steals per game (8.1) while Phoenix ranks 28th (6.6).
The Suns rank 12th in three pointers allowed per game (27.6) while the Kings rank 26th (31.3).
Sacramento ranks 17th in second chance points allowed per game (12.3) while Phoenix ranks 29th (14.1).
The Kings rank 17th in fast break points allowed per game (11.1) while the Suns rank 28th (13.7).
Sacramento ranks 24th in assists per game (20.7) while Phoenix ranks 28th (20.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Phoenix is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Sacramento is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.4, down from 6.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Kings have scored an average of 101.6 points per game (4.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 103.8 points per game (1.5 below their season average).
