NBA Picks: Knicks vs. Kings 3/7/22

New York Knicks (26-38 SU, 28-36-0 ATS) vs. Sacramento Kings (24-42 SU, 31-35-0 ATS)
When: Monday March 07 2022, 10:30 PM (ET)
Where: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento California
TV: MSG

Point Spread: NYK +3.5/SAC -3.5 (Opened SAC -3.5 at BetOnline)
Total: 229.5 (Opened at 229.5)
Money Line: New York Knicks +134/Sacramento Kings -160
Power Rating: SAC -3

Probable Starting Lineups

New York Knicks PG Alec Burks, SG Evan Fournier, SF R.J. Barrett, PF Julius Randle, C Mitchell Robinson

Sacramento Kings PG De’Aaron Fox, SG Justin Holiday, SF Harrison Barnes, PF Trey Lyles, C Domantas Sabonis

Key Injuries

New York Knicks
Obi Toppin: Hamstring (QUESTIONABLE)
Derrick Rose: Ankle (OUT)
Quentin Grimes: Knee (OUT)
Kemba Walker: Conditioning (OUT)

Sacramento Kings
Jeremy Lamb: Hip (Questionable)
Terrance Davis II (Wrist)

The Sacramento Kings host the New York Knicks in a Non-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 10:30 PM ET at the Golden 1 Center.

Recent Form

The New York Knicks come into this game with an overall record of 26-38, placing them 12nd in the Eastern Conference. Throughout the season, New York has struggled in their 32 road contests, sitting at 13-19. Over the Knicks’ last five games, they have picked up just 1 win. During this stretch, New York is averaging 109.0 points per game, 4.0 points more than their season average of 105.4. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 106.0 points per contest. A key reason for New York’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 114.0 points over their previous five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 107.2. In the New York Knicks’ most recent game, New York took down the LA Clippers by a score of 116-93

The Sacramento Kings come into this game with an overall record of 24-42, placing them 13rd in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, Sacramento has struggled in their 33 home contests, sitting at 15-18. Over the Kings’ last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. In this stretch, Sacramento’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 113.0 points per game. Combined, the Kings’ last five opponents are giving up 109.0 points per contest. In this recent cold stretch, the Kings are allowing an average of 115.0 points per game, similar to their usual rate of 115.1. In the Sacramento Kings’ most recent game, the team fell to Dallas by a score of 114-113.

Individual Player Analysis

As New York travels to take on the Sacramento Kings, the Knicks’ leading scorer is Julius Randle. Through 62 games, Randle is averaging 19 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 50.0% of his games. As Randle gets set to take on the Kings, he could be in line for a big game as Sacramento is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 53.85% of their games. This figure places them 26th among NBA defenses. On the other side, De’Aaron Fox leads the Kings in scoring, averaging 22 points across his 113 games. Throughout the season, Fox has outscored his season average in 37.0% of his outings. Given that New York’s defense has struggled to slow down their opponent’s top scorers, De’Aaron Fox should be in line for a big performance. So far, the Knicks have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 52.0% of their games, giving them a rank of 22nd among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

The Kings come into this game as the more efficient offensive team, averaging 106.4 points per 100 possessions. When playing as the superior offensive unit, Sacramento is winning at a rate of 64%. These wins are coming by an average margin of 8.0 points. On the other side, the Knicks hold the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. So far, they have played 15 games as the better defensive team, picking up 8 wins.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings have met up for 1 game. New York took game one by a score of 116-96.

How the Public is Betting the Knicks vs Kings

52% are betting the Knicks against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 229.5

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Betting Trends Worth Noting

Knicks are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games playing on 0 days rest.
Knicks are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games.
Kings are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Kings are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Heading into this matchup, both the Knicks and Kings have rattled off two-straight ATS wins. With each team’s playoff chances nearly out the door, the Kings and Knicks will be looking to play the role of a spoiler down the stretch. For the year, the Kings have been one of the worst interior defenses in the NBA. However, the Knicks aren’t typically a team looking to score inside, ranking 30th in points in the paint. I like the Kings to win this game and cover the spread, in what should be a high-scoring affair. Bet your NY/Sac pick and ALL your pro hoops picks for FREE this week by taking advantage of a 100% REAL CASH bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $1000 at Betnow Sportsbook!