Both teams will attempt to snap their losing streaks as the Phoenix Suns (11-20) go head-to-head with the Sacramento Kings (12-19) at Golden 1 Center. The Suns are on an eight-game skid, while the Kings have lost five games in a row. The game will air on NBC Sports – California at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 28, 2019.
Phoenix Suns vs. Sacramento Kings Betting Prediction
In the Suns’ last matchup, they were 2.5-point favorites and were defeated by the Golden State Warriors, 105-96. The game’s total points (201) came in well under the projected point total of 219. Golden State’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Phoenix. The Warriors had a rate of 8.8 (better than their season average of 12.6), while the Suns posted a mark of 23.3 (above their season average of 12.1). Devin Booker was the top scorer from either team with 34 points on 13-for-24 shooting.
The Kings lost a tough one against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last game, 105-104, despite being 7-point favorites. The game’s total points (209) were under the O/U total of 220. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Minnesota’s biggest advantages. They had 29 free throw attempts, while Sacramento had 25. Sacramento’s Richaun Holmes put together a good game, leading the team in scoring with 20 points on 9-for-15 shooting.
This has potential to be a sloppy game for the offense of Sacramento. Sacramento ranks 20th in the league in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.5 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Phoenix forces the second-most turnovers in the NBA (15.4 percent).
Phoenix comes into the game with records of 11-20 straight up (SU) and 16-13-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Suns’ 30 games that accepted bets, 18 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Sacramento is 12-19 SU and 16-15 ATS. Unlike Phoenix, Kings games have a tendency to go under the total (61.3 percent).
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Kings won the most recent matchup 120-116, covering as 3-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 236 points, which was 16.5 points above the projected point total of 219.5 points. Sacramento’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Phoenix. The Kings had a rate of 0.614 while the Suns posted a mark of 0.494. Booker had a standout performance with 30 points, eight assists and five rebounds.
Suns at Kings Pick
Free NBA Pick: ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
On the road, Phoenix is 7-5 ATS with 7 unders and 5 overs.
Sacramento is 5-8 ATS at home with 9 unders and 4 overs.
Phoenix is 2-2 when they allow under 100 points, while Sacramento is 6-2.
In games where they reach the century mark, the Suns are 11-16 and the Kings are 11-13.
Phoenix ranks first in assists per game (28.2) while Sacramento ranks 23rd (22.3).
The Suns rank eighth in points in the paint per game (48.5) while the Kings rank 28th (43.2).
Sacramento ranks 12th in blocks allowed per game (4.8) while Phoenix ranks 26th (5.7).
The Kings rank third in second chance points allowed per game (11.8) while the Suns rank 15th (12.9).
Sacramento ranks first in fast break points allowed per game (10.4) while Phoenix ranks 12th (12.6).
The Suns rank fourth in three pointers allowed per game (31.5) while the Kings rank 14th (33.5).
Phoenix ranks third in points off turnovers per game (19.1) while Sacramento ranks 13th (17.5).
The Kings rank fifth in rebounds allowed per game (43.2) while the Suns rank 14th (45.5).
Phoenix averages 7.8 steals per game, which ranks 16th in the NBA. Sacramento ranks 22nd in steals allowed per game (8.1).
In its last five contests, Phoenix is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Sacramento is 0-5 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 12.8, up from 1.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Kings have scored an average of 106.0 points per game (1.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 113.2 points per game (5.3 above their season average).
