Denver Nuggets at Sacramento Kings Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/16/2024 10:00 PM EST
We have your Denver Nuggets at Sacramento Kings prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Denver Nuggets hit the road to face the Sacramento Kings.
Denver Nuggets at Sacramento Kings Odds Info
Best Moneyline Odds: Denver Nuggets -105 (DraftKings) / Sacramento Kings -110 (Caesars)
Best Spread Odds: -1.0 - Denver Nuggets -110 (FanDuel) / 1.5 - Sacramento Kings -120 (ESPN BET)
Best Total Odds: 238.0 - Under -105 (Caesars) / 237.5 - Over -115 (BetMGM)
Game Info
Date: 12/16/2024
Time: 10:00 PM EST
Location: Golden 1 Center (Sacramento, CA)
TV: NBA League Pass
Denver Nuggets Betting Trends
- On the road, the Denver Nuggets have 6 wins and 6 losses this season.
- As the favorite, the Denver Nuggets have 4 wins and 3 losses this season.
- This season, the Denver Nuggets have 9 wins and 13 losses against the spread.
Sacramento Kings Betting Trends
- At home, the Sacramento Kings have 6 wins and 7 losses this season.
- As the favorite, the Sacramento Kings have 11 wins and 8 losses this season.
- This season, the Sacramento Kings have 10 wins and 15 losses against the spread.
Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis
Over the past two seasons, the Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings have faced off four times, with the Kings emerging victorious in three of those encounters. The games were evenly split between home and away victories, with the home team winning three times and the visiting team securing just one win. In terms of betting outcomes, the Kings have covered the spread in three of the four games, while the Nuggets managed to cover the spread only once. The total points scored in these matchups have been evenly split between going over and under the set line, with two games each hitting the over and under marks.
The most recent game between these two teams took place on February 28, 2024, where the Denver Nuggets defeated the Sacramento Kings with a decisive 117-96 victory. In this matchup, the Nuggets were the home favorites and successfully covered the spread. Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with an impressive 32-point performance, while Nikola Jokic contributed a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds. The Nuggets shot 53.5% from the field and made 15 of their 35 three-point attempts. On the other hand, the Kings struggled with their shooting, converting only 40% of their field goal attempts and 34.3% from beyond the arc. Keegan Murray was the leading scorer for the Kings with 21 points. The game total fell under the set line, with a combined score of 213 points.
In the other three games, the Kings demonstrated their ability to outperform the Nuggets, particularly in the matchups where they were the home team. Notably, on February 9, 2024, the Kings secured a commanding 135-106 victory at home, covering the spread as favorites. The Kings also won a close game on December 2, 2023, with a 123-117 scoreline, again covering the spread as home favorites. The only game where the Nuggets managed to win against the spread was on February 14, 2024, when the Kings won 102-98 in Denver, despite being the underdogs. These games highlight the competitive nature of the matchups between these two teams, with the Kings generally having the upper hand in recent encounters.
Denver Nuggets at Sacramento Kings Preview
The Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings are set to clash in what promises to be an electrifying matchup at the Golden 1 Center. Both teams are riding winning streaks, with the Nuggets having won two consecutive games and the Kings on a three-game tear. This game is pivotal for both squads as they look to solidify their standings in the competitive Western Conference.
The Nuggets, led by the indomitable Nikola Jokic, have been a force on the offensive end, averaging 118.7 points per game, which ranks them third in the West. Jokic, a three-time MVP, continues to be the linchpin for Denver, boasting impressive averages of 31.5 points and 13.3 rebounds per game. His ability to orchestrate the offense and dominate the boards makes him a constant threat. The return of Jamal Murray, who is expected to play despite dealing with right hamstring inflammation, adds another layer of depth to the Nuggets' attack. Murray's recent performance against the Clippers, where he contributed 20 points, underscores his importance to the team's success.
On the other side, the Kings are looking to build on their recent success and improve their home record. Sacramento's offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging 130.66 points per game over their last three outings. De'Aaron Fox has been the catalyst for the Kings, leading the team in points, assists, and steals. His dynamic playmaking and scoring ability will be crucial against a Nuggets team that has struggled with consistency. Domantas Sabonis, who narrowly missed out on the triple-double crown last season, remains a key figure in the Kings' lineup, providing a formidable presence in the paint.
Both teams have undergone lineup adjustments, with the Nuggets integrating Russell Westbrook into their rotation and the Kings promoting Malik Monk to the starting five. These changes have injected new energy into both squads, making this matchup even more intriguing. The Nuggets will need to leverage their offensive prowess and Jokic's leadership to overcome a Kings team that has shown resilience and adaptability.
As the Nuggets aim to extend their winning streak and the Kings look to maintain their momentum, this game is set to be a showcase of two of the league's most potent offenses. With both teams eager to assert their dominance, fans can expect a high-scoring and fiercely contested battle in Sacramento.
Denver Nuggets at Sacramento Kings Pick: Denver Nuggets Against the Spread
The Denver Nuggets are poised to cover the spread against the Sacramento Kings in their upcoming matchup. Despite some inconsistencies this season, the Nuggets have shown resilience and adaptability, particularly with the integration of Russell Westbrook into their rotation. Westbrook's ability to play effectively alongside Nikola Jokic has been a game-changer, as evidenced by Denver's recent victories. Coach Michael Malone's strategy of maximizing Westbrook's minutes with Jokic has paid dividends, creating a dynamic duo that has been difficult for opponents to contain.
Jokic, the three-time MVP, continues to be the cornerstone of the Nuggets' offense, averaging an impressive 31.5 points and 13.3 rebounds per game. His leadership and playmaking abilities are unmatched, and with Jamal Murray expected to play despite his recent hamstring issues, the Nuggets' offensive arsenal is further bolstered. Murray's return adds depth and scoring potential, as demonstrated by his 20-point performance against the Clippers.
While the Kings have been on a three-game winning streak, their home record remains a concern, with only six wins in 13 games. The Nuggets, on the other hand, have managed to maintain a balanced road performance, with a 6-6 record away from home. Historically, the Nuggets have struggled against the Kings, but their recent form and strategic adjustments suggest they are well-equipped to reverse this trend.
Moreover, the Kings' recent lineup changes, including the promotion of Malik Monk, have yet to fully stabilize their performance. Although De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis are formidable opponents, the Nuggets' offensive firepower, led by Jokic, presents a significant challenge. Denver's ability to score at will, averaging 118.7 points per game, positions them favorably to outpace the Kings, who have shown vulnerability in high-scoring contests.
The Denver Nuggets' combination of star power, strategic adjustments, and recent form makes them a strong candidate to cover the spread against the Sacramento Kings. With Jokic at the helm and a rejuvenated lineup, the Nuggets are well-positioned to extend their winning streak and assert their dominance in this crucial Western Conference clash.
Denver Nuggets at Sacramento Kings Top Player Prop Picks
Nikola Jokic Over 20.5 Rebounds Assists -105 (DraftKings)
Nikola Jokic has been a dominant force for the Denver Nuggets this season, consistently putting up impressive numbers. Averaging 31.5 points and 13.3 rebounds per game, Jokic's ability to control the boards and facilitate the offense makes the over on 20.5 rebounds and assists an enticing proposition. With the Nuggets' strategy of maximizing Jokic's minutes alongside Russell Westbrook, the Serbian center is poised to have ample opportunities to rack up both rebounds and assists. Given his track record and the Nuggets' reliance on his playmaking, Jokic is well-positioned to surpass this line against a Kings team that has struggled defensively in high-scoring games.
De'Aaron Fox Over 35.5 Points Rebounds Assists -112 (BetRivers)
De'Aaron Fox has been the driving force behind the Sacramento Kings' recent success, leading the team in points, assists, and steals. With the Kings averaging 130.66 points per game over their last three outings, Fox's dynamic playmaking and scoring ability are crucial to their offensive output. Facing a Nuggets team that has shown inconsistency, Fox is likely to continue his high-level performance. His ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories makes the over on 35.5 points, rebounds, and assists a strong pick, especially given his pivotal role in the Kings' lineup and their need to maintain their offensive momentum.
Jamal Murray Over 3.5 Rebounds 105 (DraftKings)
Jamal Murray's return to the Nuggets' lineup has been a significant boost for the team, as evidenced by his impactful performance against the Clippers. Despite dealing with right hamstring inflammation, Murray's presence on the court is vital for Denver's success. Averaging 4.1 rebounds per game this season, Murray has shown the ability to contribute on the boards, complementing his scoring and playmaking. With the Nuggets looking to extend their winning streak, Murray's role will be crucial, and his rebounding prowess makes the over on 3.5 rebounds a compelling choice, particularly against a Kings team that will challenge Denver's defensive efforts.