It seemed unlikely that the Sacramento Kings would go from a fringe play-in tournament contender to having the third-best record in the Western Conference, but that is what has happened. It is so surprising that the Sacramento Kings records have already improved by two wins from last season with 32 games to play.
The Kings have a 1.5-game lead on the Phoenix Suns as they visit them on Tuesday night. And while the Suns made a big splash to acquire Kevin Durant, though he will not help him in this meeting as he is sidelined with a knee injury, while newly acquired T.J. Warren and Darius Bazler are probable.
Here is a breakdown of where each team stands this season and what fans need to know before making Kings vs Suns betting picks.
Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns Odds
Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns Information
Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns
Location: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
Date and Time: Tuesday, February 14, 2023, 9:00 PM ET
How to Watch: NBC Sports California | NBA League Pass
Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns Recent Scores
As Pacific Division rivals, the Kings and Suns have played 242 regular season games, and the Suns have 142 wins while the Kings have 100 wins. There are three critical NBA matchups between the two teams, which may help in deciding seeding down the stretch of the season.
The Suns have won three of the past four meetings. Kings vs Suns betting history shows that Sacramento is 4-0 against the spread in the last four meetings in Phoenix, where the under is 5-1 in the last six games.
Any time recently that these teams have met on the NBA schedule, it has been a quality game. Over the past nine games, regardless of location, the under is 6-3, and that is the same record the Kings have against the spread in that span, though the Suns are 5-4 straight up.
Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Analysis
Sacramento Kings Facts to Know
It is almost as if the Kings flipped a switch and turned into a contender, similar to their celebratory beam that is lit at their home arena after wins. Aside from adding rookie Keegan Murray through the draft, Sacramento added Kevin Heurter and Malik Monk – who is out Tuesday – for three players averaging double figures alongside De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and Harrison Barnes, NBA player stats show.
The offense has certainly taken the biggest jump, according to NBA team stats. The Kings score more points than any team in the league, with 119.6 per game. They are third in making 49.5% of field goal attempts and 10th in making 36.5% of 3-point shots. The Kings are eighth at making 80.1% of free throws but 23rd in grabbing 41.8 rebounds per game.
Defensively, there are struggles. Sacramento is 22nd in allowing 117.1 points per game, 28th in allowing teams to convert 49.2% of field goal attempts, and 24th in allowing a 36.8% conversion rate on 3-point shots. The Kings, however, are seventh in limiting opponents to 42.1 rebounds per game.
The Kings are 30-25-1 against the spread and 27-28-1 on over/unders this season. They are a remarkable 15-12 straight up on the road. That includes a 6-8 record against the spread against teams with a winning record and 16-11 against the spread on the road overall.
Phoenix Suns Facts to Know
While Durant is not suiting up for the Suns until after the All-Star break, he gives them hope that they can make up ground as the Phoenix Suns standings are only four games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for second in the West.
The Suns had tipped the scales in favor of the defense, which is why a trade that sent an all-defensive candidate away seemed necessary in the eyes of the front office. But adding Durant, widely regarded as the best scorer in the league, is a huge get.
The Suns are 22nd in scoring 112.7 points per game, 23rd in making 46.3% of field goal attempts, fifth in making 37.9% of 3-point shots, and 10th in making 79.3% of free throw attempts. Their 44.1 rebounds per game are ninth.
Defensively, the Suns are fifth in allowing 111.3 points per game, eighth in holding teams to 46.7% on field goal attempts, and 14th in allowing opponents to make 36.0% of 3-point shots. Teams rebound 43.0 shots per game, which is 12th defensively.
Phoenix is 31-27 against the spread and 27-31 on over/unders, sporting a 19-9 straight-up record at home. It is 7-7 at home against the spread against teams with a winning record.
Updates
Other injuries include forward KZ Okpala out with a knee injury for the Kings. The Suns will also be without veteran backup guards Cam Payne (foot) and Landry Shamet (foot), who are each out indefinitely.
Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Preview
NBA odds today show the Suns are 2.5-point favorites with an over/under of 234 points. The Kings are +120 on the moneyline, while the Suns are -140.
Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Prediction
This season, the Kings are 13-9 against the spread as underdogs, including 4-3 against the spread when underdogs of 2.5 points or less. The Suns are 19-17 against the spread as favorites, including a 5-7 record when favored by 2.5 points or less.
NBA picks today show that 73% of public bets are on the Suns to cover the spread, while 65% of bets are on the over.
While one team likes to push the pace as the Kings do, the Suns do not as it stands. That is partly why they have been so good defensively, but their defensive efficiency is also solid. Meanwhile, the Kings are very good on offense, so pushing the pace and getting as many possessions as they can certainly favor them.
Our Kings vs Suns betting pick is going to be Suns -2.5. While the Suns only have a few pieces from their first big spend under new owner Matt Ishbia, they have rejuvenated confidence and belief in themselves. Adding an offensive weapon in Warren and getting some of that two-way potential back in Bazley is an immense help.
We also like the under 234 to hit, especially considering Monk and Durant are not playing.
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