Phoenix Suns (14-12) vs. Sacramento Kings (16-9)
Phoenix Suns vs. Sacramento Kings 12/22/23 – On Friday night at Golden 1 Center, Phoenix Suns will face off against Sacramento Kings. This game promises to be an essential battle in league standings – and with fans and bettors eagerly awaiting this showdown; fans and bettors eagerly anticipate viewing and betting this top NBA free picks showdown, scheduled for 10:00 PM ET broadcast over NBCS-CA; it promises not only team strength but also individual talents to shine!
The Suns have shown moments of brilliance despite their midrange standing. Averaging 115.3 points per game and boasting an excellent field goal percentage (47.3), their offensive play deserves praise. Yet their performance in recent games raises some concerns, including a poor record against the spread despite road game records (6-5) being somewhat encouraging; their scoring prowess can be seen with 12 three-pointers made per game while defensive play needs tightening given 14.2 turnovers per game as indicated by their scoring ability.
Sacramento Kings come into this game with an improved recent record, winning 3 of their last 5 matches and posting an average scoring output of 118.2 points per game; their field goal percentage (47.1%) matches up perfectly, yet they excel in three-pointers at 15.4 per game for a 36.9% success rate from beyond the arc; additionally their road games against the spread (7-4) may give them an edge here due to less turnovers (13 per game).
Phoenix Suns vs. Sacramento Kings Game Info
| When: | Friday, December 22, 2023, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Golden 1 Center |
| TV: | NBCS-CA |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Kevin Durant (PF) vs. De’Aaron Fox (PG)
Kevin Durant has been having an MVP-caliber season in his first year with Phoenix, averaging 30.6 points to go along with 6.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. His versatility on offense and ability to score from all three levels efficiently will prove extremely difficult for the Kings to slow down. However, Durant has struggled with turnovers this season. His 3.3 turnovers per game are the highest mark since his rookie campaign.
De’Aaron Fox continues his ascension into stardom, averaging career-highs in points (30.1), assists (6.4), and steals (1.5). Fox’s lightning-quick speed makes him a nightmare matchup on the perimeter. However, his shooting efficiency this year has regressed. After knocking down 48% of his shots last season, Fox’s field goal percentage is down to 47.1% in 2022-23. His three-point shooting percentage has also dipped to 31%.
When these two dynamic scorers match up, fireworks are sure to ensue. While Durant holds the edge in pure scoring ability, Fox’s speed could give KD trouble. Ultimately, Durant’s size advantage, along with his efficiency in isolation situations should prove too much for Fox on the defensive end.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are currently undecided, reflecting the closely matched nature of these two teams. However, the trends suggest a potentially high-scoring game, making the over/under bets particularly interesting.
Phoenix Suns Betting Trends
The Suns poor performances against the spread recently should give bettors pause before backing Phoenix. The fact that they’ve gone 0-5 ATS over their last five games shows the team is overvalued currently in the betting market. Phoenix’s overhead trend is also worrisome for a team that wants to slow the pace.
Sacramento Kings Betting Trends
Backing Sacramento to cover at home has been a profitable strategy as evidenced by their 7-4 home ATS record. The Kings also play an uptempo offensive style which lends itself to high-scoring, entertaining games – a good formula to push totals OVER. Nine overs in Sacramento’s last 11 home contests indicates more of the same.
Phoenix Suns vs. Sacramento Kings 12/22/23 Betting Picks
In conclusion, this matchup between the Phoenix Suns and the Sacramento Kings is poised to be a closely contested affair. The key battle between Durant and Fox, coupled with each team’s recent form, makes this game a challenging one to predict. However, considering the Kings’ slightly better consistency and the Suns’ struggles against the spread, the Kings might have a slight edge.
When considering prop bets, over/under, or spread bets, the high-scoring nature of both teams should be taken into account. Today’s premium picks might lean towards the Kings, especially given their recent performance and the Suns’ inconsistencies.
Free Pick and Prediction: Sacramento Kings 120, Phoenix Suns 115