Sacramento Kings Face Uphill Battle Against Denver Nuggets
The Sacramento Kings (3-13) are desperate for a win as they face the Denver Nuggets (12-3) on Saturday night. The Kings are currently on an eight-game losing streak and sit 14th in the Western Conference, while the Nuggets are flying high in second place.
Denver are strong favourites, with a -12.5 point spread according to BETMGM SPORTSBOOK. The over/under is set at 236.5 points. The Nuggets boast a dominant 10-2 record against conference opponents and lead the Western Conference in scoring, averaging a staggering 123.8 points per game on 50.8% shooting.
Sacramento, on the other hand, has struggled against Western Conference rivals, going 2-11. They also have a worrying 0-9 record in games decided by 10 or more points.
Key Matchup Stats
The Nuggets excel from beyond the arc, averaging 12.1 made 3-pointers per game. This could be a problem for the Kings, who allow 13.6 3-pointers per game. Offensively, the Kings average 111.0 points per game, which is below the 112.8 points the Nuggets concede.
This is the third meeting between these teams this season. The Nuggets won the previous encounter 122-108 on November 12th, fueled by a dominant 35-point performance from Nikola Jokic.
Players to Watch
For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic is playing at an MVP level, averaging 29.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 11.0 assists per game. Jamal Murray has also been impressive, averaging 26.0 points and shooting 62.5% over his last 10 games.
Dennis Schroder (12.3 points, 3.6 rebounds per game) and Zach LaVine (26.0 points over his last 10 games) will need to step up for the Kings to have any chance of upsetting the Nuggets.
Injury Report
The Nuggets will be without Christian Braun (ankle), while Julian Strawther is day-to-day with a back injury. The Kings will be without Domantas Sabonis (knee).
Prediction: The Nuggets' superior form and home advantage make them strong favourites. Expect them to extend the Kings' losing streak.