The Sacramento Kings get their first look at the Boston Celtics on Friday. Sacramento, 0-6 against the defending champs in the last three seasons, will hope to break Boston’s dominance. The Kings will also look to extend a five-game winning run when they face their tormentors.
Meanwhile, the Celtics, coming off a solid 3-1 road swing, return to TD Garden for a matchup against Domantas Sabonis and Co. Boston has found its rhythm this month following a disappointing December. The Celtics will look to snap their opponents’ winning streak and keep their dominance over the California-based team.
Sacramento Kings vs Boston Celtics Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips
TD Garden will host the Kings-Celtics encounter. Basketball fans can catch the action by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.
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Moneyline: Kings (+390) vs. Celtics (-525)
Odds: Kings (+10.5) vs. Celtics (-10.5)
Total (O/U): Kings (o229.5 -110) vs. Celtics (u229.5 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Sacramento Kings vs Boston Celtics preview
The Sacramento Kings have regrouped following the controversial firing of former coach Mike Brown. Sacramento bounced back from a six-game losing slump by winning their next five games. During that stretch, the Kings offense has been humming, which could get them over the hump against the Celtics.
The Kings own a 122.0 offensive rating in January, the third-best in the NBA. They have a good chance of breaking through against the defending champs if they can sustain their scorching-hot form.
The Boston Celtics offense can go toe-to-toe with their visitors. They are fourth in the league in offensive rating, just slightly behind their opponents on Friday.
Boston’s advantage could be on the defensive end, where they are seventh in the NBA in defensive rating. Jayson Tatum and his teammates could continue their winning run against the Kings if they can keep their defensive identity.
Sacramento Kings vs Boston Celtics predicted starting lineups
Kings
PG: De’Aaron Fox | SG: Malik Monk | SF: DeMar DeRozan | PF: Keegan Murray | C: Domantas Sabonis
Celtics
PG: Derrick White | PG: Jrue Holiday | SG: Jaylen Brown | PF: Jayson Tatum | C: Kristaps Porzingis
Sacramento Kings vs Boston Celtics betting tips
Jayson Tatum is averaging 27.0 points per game in January and pushed back against criticism from Brandon Jennings, who called him the “softest Celtics superstar.”
A determined Tatum could have another big scoring night against the Kings’ middle-of-the-pack defense. Taco Jay could top his 26.5 (O/U) points prop.
De’Aaron Fox didn't play Sacramento’s game against the Miami Heat on Wednesday due to a right glute contusion. He's iffy for the matchup versus Boston because of the same issue. Fox’s injury and the Celtics’ tandem of Derrick White and Jrue Holiday could hold him under his points prop of 23.5 (O/U).
Sacramento Kings vs Boston Celtics prediction
The Sacramento Kings seem to be reinvigorated with the coaching change and could give the Boston Celtics a run for their money. Still, Sacramento is on the road facing an opponent it hasn’t beaten in three seasons. The Kings could lose but cover the significant +10.5 spread.
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