Sacramento Kings vs. Atlanta Hawks: Predictions, Starting Lineups (12/29/23)
The Sacramento Kings (17-12) face the Atlanta Hawks (12-18) this Friday (12/29/23). Get Kings vs. Hawks moneyline and spread odds, as well as predictions, starting lineups, injuries, and key matchups below.
Sacramento Kings vs. Atlanta Hawks Prediction
Sacramento and Atlanta combine for 62.6 points per game during the first quarter (via NBA.com), but they are both situated to dominate offensively.
Within eight feet of the basket, the Hawks surrender the 4th most field goal attempts and 7th largest field goal percentage. Sacramento owns the 7th largest field goal percentage in this area because of their offensive strengths. Few players can match De’Aaron Fox’s speed, and he will be able to bypass Atlanta’s weak point-of-attack defense via drives. The Kings also rank 5th in cut frequency because their wings know Domantas Sabonis will find them while orchestrating a dribble handoff. Factor in Murray, Huerter, and Barnes spacing the court, and the Kings’ offense should thrive.
On the other end, Sabonis does not possess the vertical athleticism to hang with Clint Capela or Jalen Johnson, while Dejounte Murray can attack Huerter in isolation. In addition, the Kings rank 22nd defending catch-and-shoot threes based on opponent shot quality (per ShotQuality), and the Hawks are 12th in 3PT%.
Overall, it’s a matchup between two teams that push the pace, rank top five in first quarter Offensive Rating, and field ineffective defenses. Points will be plentiful.
Sacramento Kings vs. Atlanta Hawks Prediction: 1st Quarter Total Over 64.5 Points (-111 FD)
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Sacramento Kings vs. Atlanta Hawks Best Odds
The Kings are only one point favorites, so it’s essentially a coin flip to the books. Sacramento is 15-14 against the spread this season, while Atlanta is a paltry 7-23 against the spread, including 1-11 at home.
Sacramento Kings Starting Lineup
PG: De’Aaron Fox
SG: Kevin Huerter
SF: Harrison Barnes
PF: Keegan Murray
C: Domantas Sabonis
Atlanta Hawks Starting Lineup
PG: Trae Young
SG: Dejounte Murray
SF: Saddiq Bey
PF: Jalen Johnson
C: Clint Capela
Sacramento Kings vs. Atlanta Hawks Injuries
The only rotation player on either team that will be sidelined is Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter. His knee injury likely keeps him out for the next two weeks. Saddiq Bey will get the start with Hunter out.
Sacramento Kings vs. Atlanta Hawks Key Matchups
Trae Young Free Throws
Sacramento is 19th in opponent free throw attempt rate, so teams can get to the charity stripe against them. Trae Young averages eight free throw attempts per game, which is the eighth most in the NBA. His 86.6 FT% means that a trip to the line produced 1.732 points on average – that points per possession is equal to the expected production of a 57.7 3PT%. If Young continues to draw fouls, then Atlanta’s offense receives a massive boost.
