The San Antonio Spurs (52-9) will attempt to keep their seven-game winning streak alive when they take on the Sacramento Kings (25-35) at the AT&T Center. The game gets underway at 8:30 pm ET on Saturday, Mar. 5 and will air on CSA and FSW.
The Spurs beat the Pelicans 94-86 on Thursday. Kawhi Leonard played a key role, recording his ninth double-double this season with 30 points and 11 rebounds. The Kings, meanwhile, are coming off a 104-101 win over the Mavericks on Thursday. Rajon Rondo claimed his 30th double-double of the season with 18 points and 12 assists.
Leonard has been playing at a high level over the last five games for the Spurs. During that stretch, he has averaged 26.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.4 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 3.0 three-pointers.
When evaluating effective field goal percentage, the Spurs could have a healthy advantage on offense. They’re ranked second in the league in that category at 53.5%, while Sacramento’s bottom-tier effective field goal percentage defense is ranked 28th, allowing opponents to connect at a rate of 52.2% this year.
The Spurs have emerged victorious in both games against the Kings this year, including a 108-92 win the last time these two teams met. Danny Green was a standout player in the game, producing 16 points, seven rebounds, one assist, three steals, one block, and four three-pointers.
The Spurs come into this game 52-9 Straight Up (SU) and 38-23 Against The Spread (ATS). In their last 10 games, they are 3-7 ATS. The Spurs have the top-ranked offense in terms of FG%, shooting .491 from the floor. San Antonio has the third-most assists in the NBA, averaging 25.0 per game. San Antonio has been struggling as of late. The Spurs have given up an average of 113.9 points to opponents in their last 10 games, well over their defense’s season average of 92.2 PPG. The Spurs have limited opponents’ efforts from beyond the arc, allowing an NBA-low 384 three-pointers made or 6.0 per game. Opponents have consistently had their shots rejected by the Spurs, who rank fourth in the league in blocks per game with 6.0.
Across the court, the Kings have a record of 26-33-1 ATS and 25-35 SU. Against the Western Conference, Sacramento is 25-35 SU and 26-33-1 ATS. Sacramento’s defense has allowed an average of 95.7 points per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 109.4.
San Antonio beat Sacramento in their most recent meeting this season, moving its SU record against the Kings to 9-1 in their last 10 head-to-head meetings. The teams have an even record ATS, 5-5.
Predictions: SU Winner – SA
Notes
Sacramento averages a solid 107.0 points per game this season. However, San Antonio is the top-ranked team in points allowed, giving up just 92.2 points per game.
Sacramento averages a solid 107.4 points per away game this season. However, San Antonio is the top-ranked team in points allowed at home, giving up just 90.1 points per game.
When allowing fewer than 100 points, the Spurs are 44-3 on the season. When the Kings score fewer than 100, they are an underachieving 3-15.
San Antonio has an 8-6 record when allowing at least 100 points. Sacramento has a 22-20 record when it hits the century mark.
The Kings have a defensive rating of 106.8 (ranked 23rd). The Spurs rank third for their offensive rating of 109.6.
The Sacramento Kings average 103.0 possessions per game and 1.039 points per possession. The San Antonio Spurs earn fewer possessions with 95.5, but they score more points with 1.096.
The San Antonio Spurs have one of the best effective field goal percentages this season, ranking second in the league with an EFF% of 53.5%. When their opponents record a similar or higher EFF%, the Sacramento Kings have an abysmal 5-20 record.
The San Antonio Spurs, ranked third in the NBA, average 25.0 assists per game. The Sacramento Kings make 24.9 assists (ranked fourth)
The San Antonio Spurs average 6.0 blocks per game for a rank of fourth. The Sacramento Kings rank lower (20th), earning 4.5 blocks each game.
San Antonio is ranked 27th when it comes to offensive rebounding. Sacramento ranks seventh in defensive rebounds.
Making 8.7 steals per game, Sacramento is ranked seventh in the NBA. San Antonio has a stellar 16-5 record when it gives up at least 8 steals.
