Sacramento Kings vs
Los Angeles LakersPredictions & Preview

Los Angeles Lakers Aim to Sweep Sacramento Kings in Pacific Division Showdown at Crypto.com Arena

On Saturday, December 28, 2024, the Sacramento Kings will face the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in a Pacific Division matchup starting at 10:30 PM ET. This game marks the conclusion of their four-game regular-season series, with the Lakers aiming to sweep the Kings for the first time since the 2009-10 season. Los Angeles is currently the favored team with an opening line of -2.5 that has remained unchanged. Stay tuned for our expert analysis and prediction for this Kings vs. Lakers matchup.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Kings +125 | Lakers -145
• Spread: Kings +2.5 (-110) | Lakers -2.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 224.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Los Angeles will win straight-up is 59%.

Sacramento vs Los Angeles Stats

Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings are currently on a five-game losing streak, with their most recent defeat being a heartbreaking 114-113 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Despite holding the Pistons to 41.8% shooting, the Kings blew a 19-point second-half lead. Star center Domantas Sabonis missed the game due to illness, and his presence is crucial for the upcoming clash against the Lakers. The Kings rank ninth in adjusted offensive efficiency and 16th in adjusted defensive efficiency. In terms of statistics, Sacramento ranks 10th in offense, 17th in defense, and has a 13-18 record for the season. Offensively, they excel in field goal percentage and free throw shooting, but struggle with three-point shooting. Defensively, they struggle to defend the three-point line and allow a high free throw percentage. Overall, the Kings will need to improve their performance in both offense and defense to break their losing streak.

Los Angeles Lakers Analysis

The Los Angeles Lakers have been performing well recently, going 4-1 in their last five games both straight up and against the spread. They recently defeated the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day, with LeBron James and Austin Reaves leading the team in scoring. Additionally, Anthony Davis is expected to return from an ankle injury for their upcoming game against the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers have a power ranking of 25 and are ranked 20th in offense and 19th in defense, with a record of 17-13 overall. Sacramento has had success against the Lakers in their last three matchups. On offense, the Lakers rank 10th in field goal percentage and 14th in free throw percentage but 47.60% in field goals allowed. Looking for NBA handicapping assistance? We have the Best NBA Handicappers available.

Lakers Face Tough Challenge Against Kings Amidst Defensive Vulnerabilities and Inconsistency

Last week, the Lakers faced the Kings in a back-to-back series at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Los Angeles secured two victories with scores of 113-100 and 103-99, resulting in their last three games being decided by only a few points. This demonstrates the Lakers' current pattern of inconsistency, as evidenced by their recent loss to the Pistons at home. The potential participation of Domantas Sabonis on the Kings' roster may lead to a closely contested game against the Lakers on Saturday night. The Kings are highly motivated to break their losing streak, and their matchup against the Lakers' vulnerable defense provides an excellent opportunity for Sacramento. Los Angeles struggles in rebounding and ranks 20th in defending against 3-point shots, with the additional vulnerability of allowing a high number of assists per 100 possessions.

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