It will be a battle between Pacific Division opponents when the Phoenix Suns (14-22) welcome the Sacramento Kings (14-23) to Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game can be seen on NBC Sports – California at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.
Phoenix is a 5.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 226.5 points.
Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns Free Prediction
In the Kings’ last contest, they easily covered the 2.5-point spread against the Golden State Warriors, 111-98. The combined points for the game (209) finished well under the O/U total of 228. Sacramento made 15 of their 30 three pointers (50.0 percent). Golden State, on the other hand, held the Kings to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.0 (below their season average of 23.2). Trevor Ariza fueled Sacramento with 18 points and six rebounds.
The Suns lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in their last matchup, 121-114, despite being 7-point favorites. The total points for the game (235) were just under the O/U total of 236. Memphis’ 0.651 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Phoenix, who had a mark of 0.484. The Grizzlies’ mark was above their season average of 0.530, while the Suns’ was below the 0.534 mark opponents have averaged against Memphis this season. Phoenix’s Devin Booker had a solid game, leading both teams in scoring with 40 points on 13-for-20 shooting.
The Suns lead the season series against the Kings two games to one, escaping with a narrow 112-110 victory in their last matchup. Phoenix covered as a 3-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 222 points, which was just 5 points above the projected point total of 217 points. Phoenix had a better offensive rebounding percentage (19.4 vs. 17.5). Sacramento, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.190 vs. 0.151). Booker put up a double-double in the victory with 32 points and 10 assists.
Sacramento comes into the game with records of 14-23 straight up (SU) and 18-18 against the spread (ATS). Kings games tend to finish under the projected point total (55.6 percent).
Although Phoenix has difficulty winning games outright (14-22 SU), they have a solid record ATS (20-15-1). Contrary to Sacramento, games featuring the Suns have typically finished over the total (58.3 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Buddy Hield (23 points,7.0 rebounds,4.2 assists) has been stellar for the Kings while Booker (34 points,7.0 assists) has made solid contributions to the Suns.
The physical Phoenix offense might be living from the charity stripe in this showdown. The Suns rank sixth in the NBA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.215, while Sacramento ranks 19th in FTA rate allowed (0.211). It could also be a sloppy game for the offense of the Kings, which ranks 25th in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.6 percent). They’ll be going up against the stingy defense of the Suns, which forces the third-most turnovers in the league (14.9 percent).
Sacramento Kings at Phoenix Suns Free Pick
Free Prediction: ATS Winner – Kings, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
On the road, Sacramento is 12-7 ATS with 10 unders and 9 overs.
Phoenix is 10-9-1 ATS at home with 14 overs and 6 unders.
Sacramento is 7-2 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Phoenix is 2-2.
The Kings are 13-16 when they score above 100 points, while the Suns are 14-18.
Phoenix ranks first in assists per game (28.3) while Sacramento ranks 23rd (22.6).
The Kings rank seventh in blocks allowed per game (4.4) while the Suns rank 26th (5.7).
Phoenix ranks 10th in points in the paint per game (48.5) while Sacramento ranks 26th (44.1).
The Suns average 18.7 points off turnovers per game, which ranks third in the league. The Kings rank 17th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.4).
Phoenix averages 7.8 steals per game, which ranks 11th in the league. Sacramento ranks 24th in steals allowed per game (8.2).
The Kings rank fourth in rebounds allowed per game (43.1) while the Suns rank 13th (45.2).
Sacramento ranks fourth in second chance points allowed per game (11.9) while Phoenix ranks 10th (12.6).
The Kings rank first in fast break points allowed per game (11.2) while the Suns rank seventh (12.2).
Phoenix averages 33.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 11th in the NBA. Sacramento ranks 13th in three pointers allowed per game (33.3).
Over its last five outings, Sacramento is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Kings’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.4, down from 2.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 115.0 points per game (0.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 115.2 points per game (0.0 above their season average).
