Raptors-Kings prediction, pick, how to watch
The Toronto Raptors (21-27) visit the Sacramento Kings (27-19) on Wednesday night. Action Tips at 10:10 p.m. ET. Below we continue our NBA odds series with a Raptors-Kings prediction, pick and how to watch.
Toronto has lost three of its last four games and sits 12th in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors have covered 50% of their games while 56% have exceeded their target point total. Sacramento has won seven of its last eight games and sits third in the Western Conference. The Kings covered 58% of their games while 51% sank. This will be the second and final meeting between the two teams. Sacramento won Game 1 124-123.
Here are the Raptors-Kings NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel
NBA Odds: Raptors-Kings Odds
Toronto Raptors: +3.5 (-114)
Sacramento Kings: -3.5 (-106)
Over: 238 (-110)
Minus: 238 (-110)
How to watch Raptors vs. Kings
Television: Sportsnet, NBCS California
Stream: NBA League Pass
Time: 10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT
*Watch LIVE NBA games with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Why the Raptors could cover the spread
Despite their poor record, Toronto remain a dangerous team and have a chance to cover tonight as road underdogs thanks to their stellar defense. The Raptors rank 11th in points allowed (112.4 Opp. PPG) and do a great job locking down the interior. Toronto ranks fifth in points in the paint allowed (47.6 Opp. PPG) and fourth in blocking rate (6.4%). Offensively, the Raptors are below average in scoring (112.6 PPG) but do a great job in transition, ranking third in quick break scoring (17.8 PPG).
If the Raptors want to cover tonight, they’ll need to score to keep up with Sacramento’s top-ranked offense. First and foremost, this score rests on the shoulders of striker Pascal Siakam. Siakam has been one of the only bright spots on this Raptors team as he leads the team in points (25.2 PPG), rebounds (8.2 RPG) and assists (6.5 APG) . He maintained that stellar stat line while effectively shooting 48% from the ground. While he struggled in their previous meeting with Sacramento, he’s coming off a 24-point outing against the Knicks and should see plenty of open eyes against a vulnerable Kings defense.
In addition to Siakam, the Raptors have a pair of talented guards who can fill a box score. Point guard Fred VanVleet ranks second on the team in points (19.1 PPG) and assists (6.3 APG), but was largely ineffective with a 39% field goal percentage. That being said, he had arguably his best game of the season when these teams last met – scoring 39 points and providing five assists. He’s averaging 30.7 PPG over their last four games and will be looking to wear that hot steak tonight.
Shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. has been just as hot in recent games. Toronto’s third-leading scorer averaged 18.7 PPG for the season and was its most consistent outside shooter with a 37 percent three-point percentage. Like VanVleet, Trent Jr. has been on a tear over his last four games. During that span, he averaged 23 PPG and 3.5 threes per game.
Why kings might cover the spread
The undisputed breakout team of this NBA season has to be Sacramento. Despite the longest active playoff drought in the league, the Kings find themselves in third place in a packed Western Conference. Most of their success can be attributed to their incredible offense. Sacramento leads the league in points (120.3 PPG) and ranks fourth in assists (27.2 APG). Despite being the most efficient two-point shooting team in the NBA (59%), they remain a serious threat from beyond the arc. The Kings rank seventh in three-pointers per game (13.7) — something that could come in handy against Toronto’s 20th-ranked three-point defense.
In a usual twist for high-octane offenses, the Kings’ ship is steered by a big man. Domantas Sabonis leads the team in assists with 7.4 APG, while also leading the league in rebounds (12.5 RPG). Additionally, the seven-footer is a capable scorer as he averages 18.7 PPG. His all-around game was highlighted in their previous meeting with Toronto as he scored 21 points, had 20 rebounds and provided seven assists. With triple-doubles in three of his last five games, expect Sabonis to feast against a Toronto defense that gave up 23-19-8 to New York’s Julius Randle.
Sacramento’s X factor tonight is point guard De’Aaron Fox. Fox leads the team with 24 PPG while managing a respectable 6.1 APG. He had a monster game the first time these teams met when he scored 27 points and dished out 10 assists.
Raptors-Kings final prediction and selection
Toronto is one of the worst road teams in the NBA (6-15) and I expect those struggles to continue tonight against a fiery Sacramento team.
Raptors-Kings prediction and final picks: Sacramento Kings -3.5 (-108)