The Sacramento Kings (11-13) challenge the New York Knicks (5-20) at the Golden 1 Center. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, December 13, 2019, and will air on NBC Sports – California.
Sacramento opened as an 8-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 207 points.
New York Knicks at Sacramento Kings Free Prediction
The Knicks come in on a high note after just getting past the Golden State Warriors in their last contest, 124-122, as 4.5-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (246) were well over the projected point total of 211. The Knicks made 26 of their 34 free throws (76.5 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 27.3 (above their season average of 24.9). With 36 points on 10-for-18 shooting, Marcus Morris Sr. was the game’s high scorer.
In the Kings’ previous game, they won a close one over the Oklahoma City Thunder, 94-93, but failed to cover as 2-point favorites. The game’s combined points (187) were well under the projected point total of 207. Sacramento had a better turnover percentage (14.0 vs. 14.7). Oklahoma City, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.152 vs. 0.068). Buddy Hield was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 9-for-24 shooting from the field.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Knicks lost 113-92, unable to cover as 1.5-point underdogs. Morris Sr. led both teams with 28 points and also put up six rebounds. The game finished with a total of 205 points, which was 8 points below the projected point total of 213 points. The Kings’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over the Knicks. Sacramento had a rate of 25.6, while New York posted a mark of 18.4.
New York heads into the contest with records of 5-20 straight up (SU) and 11-13-1 against the spread (ATS). Knicks games tend to go under the total (64.0 percent).
Meanwhile, Sacramento owns records of 11-13 SU and 15-9 ATS. Similarly to New York, games involving the Kings also tend to go under the projected point total (62.5 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Mitchell Robinson (11 points,7.6 rebounds,1.6 blocks) has been fantastic for the Knicks while Richaun Holmes (18 points,10.0 rebounds,2.0 steals) has made great contributions to the Kings.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the NBA’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Sacramento currently ranks 28th in possessions per game (100.1) and New York is 25th (100.7).
New York Knicks vs. Sacramento Kings ATS Pick
NBA Tip: ATS Winner – Kings, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
New York is 6-6 ATS on the road with 6 overs and 6 unders.
Sacramento is 5-5 ATS at home with 6 unders and 4 overs.
In contests where they hold opponents under 100 points, Sacramento is 5-2 and New York is 1-1.
In games where they reach 100 points, the Knicks are 5-11 and the Kings are 10-7.
Sacramento ranks first in fast break points allowed per game (10.5) while New York ranks 21st (13.9).
The Kings rank fourth in rebounds allowed per game (42.8) while the Knicks rank 21st (46.2).
Sacramento averages 34.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 10th in the league. New York ranks 23rd in three pointers allowed per game (35.0).
The Knicks rank fifth in second chance points per game (14.7) while the Kings rank 14th (13.0).
New York averages 7.8 steals per game, which ranks 15th in the league. Sacramento ranks 23rd in steals allowed per game (8.1).
The Kings rank 23rd in assists per game (22.3) while the Knicks rank last (20.0).
New York ranks fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (42.6) while Sacramento ranks 10th (46.1).
The Kings rank 18th in points off turnovers per game (17.2) while the Knicks rank 19th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.1).
Over its last five games, New York is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Sacramento is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Knicks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 21.6, up from 10.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Kings have scored an average of 108.6 points per game (3.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 109.8 points per game (1.6 above their season average).
