Phoenix Suns vs Sacramento Kings Prediction, Preview and Odds - 12/22/2023

by Rod Pearson

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023
Game Time: 10:00 pm ET, Friday, December 22, 2023
Venue:  Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
Where to Watch:  NBCS-CA


Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks

DraftKings:  Point Spread:  Suns +2.5, Kings -2.5; Over/Under:  245 points
Bet365:  Point Spread:  Suns +2.5, Kings -2.5; Over/Under:  245 points
BetMGM:  Point Spread:  Suns +2.5, Kings -2.5; Over/Under:  245 points

Season Record

Phoenix Suns:  14-13 (4th place, Pacific Division)
Sacramento Kings:  16-10 (2nd place, Pacific Division)

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Recent Form
Phoenix Suns:  3-7 last 10
Sacramento Kings:  6-4 last 10


Phoenix Suns vs Sacramento Kings Preview and Analysis


The Suns are entering this game with a 14-13 record overall and they are 7-5 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a loss against the Portland Trail Blazers in their last game. Kevin Durant led the team in points in that game with 40 while Devin Booker was next on the team with 26 points. Devin Booker led the team in assists in that game with 7 while Jusuf Nurkić led the team in rebounds with 13. They were 44.7% from the field, 21.7% from 3-point range, and 71.4% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 114.9 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 113.8 PPG against them. The Suns have an ATS record of 10-16-1 this season and their O/U record is 16-11.



The Kings are entering this game with a 16-10 record overall and they are 10-4 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a loss against the Boston Celtics in their last game. De'Aaron Fox led the team in points in that game with 29 while Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis each were next on the team with 13 points. Domantas Sabonis led the team in assists in that game with 8 while Domantas Sabonis led the team in rebounds with 10. They were 47.3% from the field, 47.7% from 3-point range, and 52.2% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 118.2 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 118.2 PPG against them. The Kings have an ATS record of 14-12 this season and their O/U record is 15-11.


Suns vs Kings Prediction

The current betting odds have the Kings listed as a 2.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Kings have looked good this season with their 16-10 record overall but they have also looked a lot better in their home games with their 10-4 home record. They just lost their last game at home to the Celtics but the Celtics are one of the best teams in the NBA right now so the Kings will be looking to bounce back here on their home court. Meanwhile, the Suns haven't looked great this season with their 14-13 record overall as they have been struggling to stay consistent with their star players constantly in and out of the lineup. They are 7-5 in their road games this season but they just lost their last game to the Trail Blazers and haven't looked right in their games this season. The Kings are a much more stable team right now and they have looked good in their games lately while looking to bounce back from that last loss which was an embarrassment on their own home court. The best way to place a bet here is on the Kings to cover the spread in this game. 

Suns Kings Prediction:  Our NBA Pick for Friday, December 22, 2023 (10:00 pm ET start time) is Kings 116 Suns 108.
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NBA Betting Trends


Phoenix Suns: 9-16 ATS in all games. 3-9 ATS when the total is greater than or equal to 230. 4-11 ATS after a game where they failed to cover the spread. 18-8 OVER in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 230. 8-4 OVER after 1 or more consecutive losses. 

Sacramento Kings: 32-15 ATS off a home loss. 28-12 ATS after failing to cover the spread in 2 or more consecutive games. 12-5 ATS after a game where they allowed a shooting pct. of 55% or higher. 9-2 OVER as a home favorite. 9-3 OVER in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 230.

Key Injuries


Phoenix Suns:  J. Okogie (SG) Ques Fri - Hip. K. Bates-Diop (SF) Ques Fri - Migraine. B. Beal (SG) Early Jan - Ankle. D. Lee (SG) Out indefinitely - Knee.

Sacramento Kings:  A. Len (C) Mid Jan - Ankle.


Notable Quotes


“They made nine more 3s than we did. It was pretty much even everywhere else.” - Kevin Durant after their loss against the Trail Blazers in their game on Tuesday.


“That was a good old fashion butt kicking. Give the Celtics a lot credit especially coming off a back-to-back. They for sure didn’t look like the team that was waiting on us here.” - Mike Brown after his team’s loss against the Celtics in their game on Wednesday.


Starting Lineups


Phoenix Suns
PG Devin Booker
SG Eric Gordon 
SF Grayson Allen
PF Kevin Durant
C Jusuf Nurkic

Sacramento Kings
PG De'Aaron Fox
SG Kevin Huerter
SF Harrison Barnes
PF Keegan Murray
C Domantas Sabonis

Statistical Leaders


Phoenix Suns
PPG: K. Durant (31)
APG: D. Booker (8.2)
Reb/G: J. Nurkic (10.3)

Sacramento Kings
PPG: D. Fox (30.1)
APG: D. Sabonis (7.2)
Reb/G: D. Sabonis (12.2)

Coaches:
Phoenix Suns: Frank Vogel (1st season)
Sacramento Kings: Mike Brown (2nd season)



Rod Pearson

About the Author:

Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life.  He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years.  In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective.  Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.

All photographic images used for editorial content have been licensed from the Associated Press.

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