Portland Trail Blazers vs Sacramento Kings: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (2/23/23)
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The Portland Trail Blazers visit the Sacramento Kings in a big Western Conference clash. The Trail Blazers are coming off a blowout loss at home to the Wizards before the All-Star Break, while the Kings are coming off a loss to the Suns on the road. This should be an interesting matchup for the Western Conference standings. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Sacramento Kings Prediction
The pick: Sacramento Kings -5
The Sacramento Kings are one of the biggest surprise teams in all of the NBA this year. The key has been how good their offense has been.
De’Aaron Fox has been great this year and has blossomed into a star for the Kings this year. He leads the team in scoring and was named an All-Star this year too. Domantas Sabonis has been a big key for the Kings this year as a big man that can spread the floor them. Sabonis is second on the team in scoring and leads the team in rebounds and assists. Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes have both been great this year for them too on the wing and Huerter also leads the team in steals per game for the season.
As a team, the Kings excel more on offense than on defense. They lead the NBA in points per game for the season at 119.5, they are third in field goal percentage at 49.4%, and they’re top-10 in point differential too.
On the other side, the Trail Blazers have had potential this season, but haven’t been able to put it altogether completely, whether it’s been injuries or something else.
Damian Lillard has been Portland’s superman this year and leads the team in scoring by a mile. He also leads the team in assists too. He’s been doing everything he can for Portland. Jerami Grant, Cam Reddish, and Matisse Thybulle are all players to keep an eye on to give Lillard some much needed help since Anfernee Simmons is out with an injury.
As a team, the Trail Blazers excel more on offense than they do on defense. They’re top-12 in points scored and are top-10 in field goal percentage.
The Kings are the play here to win and cover. They’re the home team and they’re healthier than the Trail Blazers. They’ve had a breakout season this year are the better all-around team compared to Portland too.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Sacramento Kings Betting Odds
The Sacramento Kings are 5-point home favorites against the Portland Trail Blazers and are at -215 on the money line. The over/under is also at 239.5. The Kings being favored by this much makes sense because they’re at home and they’re healthier than the Blazers are too. The over/under also makes sense because these are two of the best offensive teams in the NBA. This spread should stay where it’s at before tip-off too.
Betting Trends
Trail Blazers are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 road games.
Kings are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Key Matchups
Can Drew Eubanks matchup with Domantas Sabonis? Can De’Aaron Fox matchup with Damian Lillard?
Domantas Sabonis vs. Drew Eubanks
Domantas Sabonis is playing incredibly well this season. He averages 19 points, 7 assists, and 12 rebounds per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against Drew Eubanks most of the game who averages 6 points, 1 assist, and 5 rebounds per game for the season. This is a big matchup because Eubanks is a back up to Nurkic and has an insanely hard assignment against Sabonis. This should be interesting to see if Eubanks can play any defense against Sabonis because that’s the only way Portland will have a chance.
Damian Lillard vs. De’Aaron Fox
Damian Lillard has been incredible this year. He averages 31 points, 7 assist, and 4 rebounds per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against De’Aaron Fox, who averages 25 points, 6 assist, and 4 rebounds per game for the season. This is a big matchup because these are both the two engines that make each team go. Whoever gains an advantage in this game is going have a huge chance of winning this game because of how much offense each player generates.
Portland Trail Blazers Starting Lineup
PG: Damian Lillard
SG: Matisse Thybulle
SF: Cam Reddish
PF: Jerami Grant
C: Drew Eubanks
Sacramento Kings Starting Lineups
PG: De’Aaron Fox
SG: Kevin Huerter
SF: Harrison Barnes
PF: Keegan Murray
C: Domantas Sabonis
Key Injuries
Portland Trail Blazers Injuries: SG Anfernee Simmons (Ankle) O, C Jusuf Nurkic (Calf) O
Sacramento Kings Injuries: PF KZ Okpala (Knee) O
