Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Predictions, Starting Lineups (11/15/23)

The Sacramento Kings travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers this Wednesday (11/15/23). Get Kings vs. Lakers moneyline and spread odds, as well as predictions, starting lineups, injuries, and key matchups below.

Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction

The Kings are outscoring opponents by 16.6 points per 100 possessions in the first quarter, and their starting lineup holds a 17.4 mark across 71 minutes. Meanwhile, the Lakers are being outscored by 25.2 points per 100 possessions in the first quarter and have won the frame in just three of eleven games. Fading Los Angeles to successfully open games remains a wise move here.

Before diving into the matchup, LeBron James has a real chance of missing this contest due to injury. I’m assuming James will play and still taking Sacramento’s moneyline, but it’s worth mentioning that the bet could receive a massive boost if he sits.

Sacramento currently possesses the second best half-court offense in the NBA based on shot quality (per ShotQuality). Domantas Sabonis remains a lethal dribble-handoff orchestrator that routinely finds cutters and corner shooters. With Sabonis operating near the arc, it will pull Anthony Davis away from the rim, thus somewhat negating his hyper-elite rim protection.

Los Angeles ranks 22nd defending catch-and-shoot threes and allows them at the tenth highest frequency (per ShotQuality). Sacramento’s system is designed to create these looks; they rank first in catch-and-shoot three-point frequency. Look for the Kings to bombard the Lakers with open looks from deep. Finally, De’Aaron Fox should absolutely shred Los Angeles’ perimeter defenders, who cannot stay in front of drivers in the slightest. Overall, Sacramento’s high-powered offense will trample Los Angeles.

On the other side, where is the shot creation for the Lakers? They rank 17th in Offensive Rating because nobody consistently forges advantages outside of LeBron James. The burden he carries is immense, which is why Los Angeles likely crumbles if he misses the game.

Sacramento’s defense has surprisingly defended the rim quite well, but they are struggling against shooters. Fortunately for them, the Lakers rank 23rd in 3PT% at a 34 percent mark. Outside of Anthony Davis, it’s difficult to envision this starting lineup thriving offensively given the efficiency woes.

Overall, the Kings offense should completely overwhelm the Lakers and build a considerable lead. Grabbing them at plus money is incredible value – it’s a 2 unit play to me.

Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction: Kings 1st Quarter Moneyline

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Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers Best Odds

The books are confused, as +1.5 can be found for both teams. However, it cannot be taken advantage of because both teams hold negative moneylines. LeBron James’ potential injury is the likely source. Sacramento must win this game about 51 percent of the time for their -104 moneyline to be profitable in the long run.

Sacramento Kings Starting Lineup

PG: De’Aaron Fox
SG: Kevin Huerter
SF: Harrison Barnes
PF: Keegan Murray
C: Domantas Sabonis

Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup

PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Cam Reddish
SF: Taurean Prince
PF: LeBron James
C: Anthony Davis

Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers Injuries

Trey Lyles and Alex Len are out for Sacramento, while Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Jalen Hood-Schifino hold the same designation for Los Angeles. In addition, LeBron James is questionable, while Anthony Davis is probable.

Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers Key Matchups

D’Angelo Russell Creation

Cam Reddish and Taurean Prince are solely catch-and-shoot players, while Anthony Davis needs a playmaker to put him in a position to succeed. Therefore, Russell is the sole player who can step up and alleviate some of the self-creation burden from James’ shoulders. He’s a talented ball handler and passer, but he can be extremely inconsistent and passive. Los Angeles needs a big Russell game if they are going to match this superb Kings offense.

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Braxton has been covering the NBA for Lineups since the 2022 season. He's worked with multiple collegiate coaching staffs regarding analytics and scouting, which has allowed him to understand the game on a deeper level. Braxton is also a contributor at Thunderous Intentions.

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