The Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers clash on Sunday in a Western Conference showdown.
The pregame narrative: L.A. has dominated Sacramento recently, winning each of the last five head-to-head matchups. I expect Los Angeles’ hot streak to continue in a game that will likely see its fair share of points.
Check out my Kings vs. Lakers SGP predictions for Dec. 28, featuring a prop bet on Marcus Smart.
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Kings vs. Lakers predictions
Parlay: Lakers -9.5 | Over 226.5 points | Smart over 9.5 points (+300)
Lakers -9.5 (-121): Los Angeles has Sacramento’s number.
The Lakers have toppled the Kings in five consecutive showdowns, including a seven-point win in their lone matchup this year.
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That matchup was in Sacramento, however, and this one will take place at Crypto.com Arena.
This is worth noting as the Kings have been brutal on the road. Sacramento is an abysmal 3-13 as a visitor with a -9.3 point differential.
Sacramento has lost three of its last five away games by 10-plus points. Expect another lopsided loss for the Kings.
NBA SGP legs
Over 226.5 points (-177): Los Angeles continues to be one of the best over teams in the league.
Naturally, this is what happens when you’re one of the most efficient offences and least efficient defences.
- L.A. ranks seventh in offensive efficiency (116.0).
- L.A. places 24th in defensive efficiency (115.7).
The Lakers have the second-best over record in the NBA (19-10), and have gone over this total in 10 of their last 13 outings.
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Sacramento isn’t as prolific at cashing overs, but it has gone over this mark in three of its last five games. It ranks 27th in defensive efficiency, which should mean plenty of points for the Lakers.
Smart over 9.5 points (-121): Lastly, I’m betting on an over from Smart.
The shooting guard has topped this total in three of six games this month, averaging a solid 12.7 points per game during this stretch.
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Smart topped this total in his lone meeting against the Kings this season, scoring 11 points.
The Kings haven’t been able to contain opposing shooting guards this season, either. Sacramento is allowing the seventh-most points per game to the position (22.7).
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Stevie’s an avid NFL, NHL, and tennis bettor who has no problem talking himself into the underdog. His previous stops include Yahoo! Sports Canada and Toronto Metropolitan University, where he received a degree in Sport Media.