The Golden State Warriors looks to put together two wins in a row for the first time since early November when they play host to the Sacramento Kings at the Oracles Arena. This is the first meeting this season between these two Pacific Division rivals and Golden State is a 5.5-point favorite in tonight’s game with the total Sportsbook at 225 points.
- Golden State is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games.
- The total has gone OVER each of Sacramento’s last five games.
- Golden State is 3-5 SU in its last eight games without Stephen Curry.
Sacramento vs Golden State Game Center
Warriors struggling with key injuries
Golden State has gone 3-6 in its last nine games, following an eight-game winning streak. The Warriors are without two of their starting five players as Steph Curry and Draymond Green are each dealing with injuries, putting all the pressuring on Kevin Durant. He has carried the load well leading team in scoring in each of Golden State’s last eight games with an average point total of 28.4. The key to victory for the Warriors is shooting the three as they lead the league with a 39.1 percentage from beyond the arc and that increases to 41.2 at home, racking up 34.4 points from treys per game which is the 10th-most in the NBA.
Overall, Golden State averages the fifth-most points per game in the league at 115.9, but since Curry has been out it is averaging just 106.13 points per game. Defensively, though, they rank in the middle of the league allowing 110.4 ppg, which has improved to 108.38 over the last eight games without their point guard.
Fast-paced Kings eye third straight win
Not only is Sacramento looking for its first three-game winning streak since the end of October, but it is also looking to win its third game in a row at Oracle Arena for the first time in over 15 years. The Kings rarely utilize their 24-shot clock often, as they play a high-tempo game averaging 108.4 possessions per game which is the second-most in the league and on the road that increases to 109.3. In away games this season, with the second-most possessions in the league come the second-most points per game in the league as they are chipping in 119.2 ppg.
Center Willie Cauley-Stein is having a career year thus far, averaging 15.4 ppg, three more than his previous career high and he is shooting 54.2 percent from the floor on 12.5 shots per game. Similarly, point guard De’Aaron Fox is shooting 48.7 percent from the floor for 18.2 points per game which are both career highs. On the season, the King average the third-most points from two-pointers per game in the league at 66.3 and the most on the road at 68.8. Sacramento allows the seventh-most offensive boards per game, but Golden State averages the eighth-fewest offensive rebounds.
Is the OVER the bet to make?
Two of the top-10 scoring teams in the league tip off tonight and Sportsbook has the total Sportsbook at 225 points. The offense has slowed down with Green and Curry not in the lineup for the Warriors, however, they were able to pour in 125 points last night, and the Kings allow the most road points per game at 122. Meanwhile, Sacramento averages the eighth-most points per game this season and the second-most in away games. Neither team does a great job rebounding, while each rank in the bottom half of the league in turnovers per game. I anticipate lots of scoring because of the lack ball protection and Sacramento has gone OVER in nine of its 10 games this year.
My take on Sacramento vs Golden State
I like the Kings +5.5 tonight. I think with the depleted lineup of the Warriors that the Kings’ tempo may cause some issues for them. Meanwhile, Golden State is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games and Sacramento has won each of its last two games at Oracle Arena. The Kings are averaging the second-most points per game on the road this year and the Warriors’ offense has scuffled with the injuries to Green and Curry. The high-flying Kings are going to make a game of this one and I think they will be within 5.5 points.
