Denver Nuggets vs. Sacramento Kings Predictions 2/24/22

Denver Nuggets (33-25 SU, 27-31-0 ATS) vs. Sacramento Kings (22-38 SU, 27-33-0 ATS)
When: Thursday February 24 2022, 10:00 PM (ET)
Where: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento California
TV: ALT

Point Spread: DEN -5/SAC +5(Opened at DEN -4.5 at MyBookie)
Total: 231.5 (Opened at 229)
Money Line: Denver -213/Sacramento 170
Power Rating: DEN -8

Probable Starting Lineups

Denver Nuggets PG Monte Morris, SG Will Barton, SF Aaron Gordon, PF Jeff Green, C Nikola Jokic
Sacramento Kings PG De’Aaron Fox, SG Justin Holiday, SF Harrison Barnes, PF Moe Harkless, C Domantas Sabonis

Key Injuries

Nuggets Vlatko Cancar: foot (OUT) Jamal Murray: knee (OUT) Zeke Nnaji: hamstring (QUESTIONABLE)

Kings Terence Davis: wrist (OUT) Jeremy Lamb: ankle (QUESTIONABLE) Davion Mitchell: hand (QUESTIONABLE)

The Denver Nuggets travel to take on the Sacramento Kings. Tip-off is set for 10:00 PM at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, CA.

Recent Form

The Denver Nuggets come into this game with an overall record of 33-25, placing them 6th in the Western Conference. So far, Denver is above .500 on the road, holding a record of 17-15. Over their last five games, the Nuggets have played well, picking up four wins. During this stretch, Denver is averaging 116.0 points per game, 6.0 points more than their season average of 109.9. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 107.0 points per contest. Even though Denver has been picking up wins, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 112.0 points per game, up from the Nuggets’ usual rate of 107.8. In the Denver Nuggets’ most recent game, Denver took down Golden State by a score of 117-116

The Sacramento Kings come into this game with an overall record of 22-38, placing them 13rd in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, Sacramento has struggled in their 32 home contests, sitting at 15-17. Over the King’s last five games, they have picked up just two wins. During this stretch, Sacramento is averaging 114.0 points per game, 4.0 points more than their season average of 109.9. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 111.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Kings’ recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 119.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 114.9. In the Sacramento Kings’ most recent game, the team fell to Chicago by a score of 125-118.

Individual Player Analysis

As Denver travels to take on the Sacramento Kings, the Nuggets’ leading scorer is Nikola Jokic. Through 53 games, Jokic is averaging 26 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 42.0% of his games. Against the Kings, Jokic will need to be on top of his game as Sacramento is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 42.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, De’Aaron Fox leads the Kings in scoring, averaging 21 points across his 103 games. Throughout the season, Fox has outscored his season average in 33.0% of his outings. However, if he hopes to add to this total, Fox will need to do so against a Nuggets defense that has been tough on their opponent’s top scorers. So far, leading scores have surpassed their season average at a rate of just 40.82%. This figure is good for a rank of 6th in the league.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Denver Nuggets are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 21 of Denver’s 58 games, leading to a winning percentage of 76%. So far, the Sacramento Kings have played 20 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost each game by an average margin of -12.0 points.

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The Historicals

Tonight’s matchup between Denver and Sacramento will be the second meeting of the season, with the Nuggets picking up game one.

How the Public is Betting the Nuggets vs Kings

67% are betting the Nuggets against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 226

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Nuggets are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games.
• Nuggets are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.
• Kings are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Thursday games.
• Kings are 5-1 ATS in their last six games as a home underdog.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Heading into this game, the Denver Nuggets hold a significant advantage on the offensive end of the court. So far, Denver has been the 3rd most efficient shooting team in the NBA. On the other side, Sacramento relies on pushing the pace to make up for their lack of efficiency. Look for the Nuggets to pick up the road win and to cover the spread.