Game Preview
In an eagerly anticipated matchup at Madison Square Garden, the Sacramento Kings (44-31) are set to meet the New York Knicks (44-31) at 7:30 p.m. ET. As the regular season winds down, both teams have their sights firmly set on solidifying their playoff positions. The Kings are looking to continue their recent form and achieve their third consecutive victory, while the Knicks aim to halt a three-game slide.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Sacramento is just a half-game behind the sixth-placed Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference, making every game a crucial step toward avoiding the play-in tournament. Meanwhile, the Knicks are looking to strengthen their playoff standing in the East, attempting to snap out of a recent dip in form.
According to Points Bet, the Knicks are 3-point favorites (-110), with the over/under for the game set at 214.5 points. This presents intriguing options for betters considering the recent performances and the head-to-head history between these two teams.
Last Game Results
Sacramento comes into this game off the back of a solid 109-95 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers, a win they secured even in the absence of Malik Monk. Domantas Sabonis was instrumental, posting a massive double-double with 22 points and 20 rebounds. With this game kicking off a four-game road trip on the East Coast, the Kings are looking to maintain their momentum.
Conversely, the Knicks are currently mired in a three-game losing streak, having failed to break the 100-point barrier in their last outing for the first time in seven games. Despite these struggles, Donte DiVincenzo put up a commendable 31-point performance, but Jalen Brunson struggled with his shooting, making just 5 of 18 attempts from the field.
Injuries & Team News
The injury list for both teams may play a significant role in the upcoming clash. The Kings will be without Malik Monk for the next month or so due to a knee sprain, and Kevin Huerter is sidelined for the rest of the season following shoulder surgery.
For the Knicks, Julius Randle (shoulder) and OG Anunoby (elbow) are set to miss out. Furthermore, Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and Josh Hart (wrist) are listed as questionable, possibly affecting the depth and versatility of the Knicks’ roster.
Head-to-Head
This season's series stands at 1-0 in favor of New York, thanks to a 98-91 victory in California. In that encounter, Jalen Brunson led the way with an impressive 42-point performance, overshadowing Domantas Sabonis’ double-double for the Kings.
Betting Trends & Stats
The Kings, who rank in the top 10 for points per game (117.1), have shown significant improvement on the defensive end, conceding 108.8 points per game over their past five outings. On the road, they've been particularly strong against the spread, covering 61.1% of the time, a figure that climbs to 65% when they're listed as underdogs.
The Knicks, known for their stout defense, allow the second-fewest points per game in the league at 107.9 but have been less consistent offensively. They average 112.4 points per game but have managed to cover the spread in 59.3% of games when listed as home favorites. Notably, the under has landed in 58.7% of the Knicks' games, signaling a strong trend toward lower-scoring affairs.
Key Players
Domantas Sabonis stands out with a league-leading 26 triple-doubles and a streak of 31 consecutive double-doubles, showcasing his versatility and importance to the Kings’ lineup. Additionally, De’Aaron Fox’s scoring prowess has him ranked 10th in the NBA, averaging 26.3 points per game.
On the Knicks side, Jalen Brunson has been a scoring machine, ranking fourth in the league with an average of 27.8 points per game. His ability to consistently deliver high-scoring performances, including a 61-point explosion against the Spurs, will be crucial for the Knicks to break their losing streak and challenge the Kings.
Best Bet
Given the Kings' recent form and strong road ATS record, they appear to be a compelling pick. However, the preferred bet, considering the potential impact of key injuries and both teams’ defensive capabilities, is the under on 214.5 total points (-110 with Points Bet). With the under hitting in seven of the Kings’ last eight games, this matchup at Madison Square Garden is shaping up to be a defensively dominated affair.