Sacramento Kings (17-10) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7-20)
Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers December 26, 2023 – On Tuesday, Sacramento Kings (currently 17-10 record), will take on Portland Trail Blazers (7-20 record), in what promises to be an exciting NBA showdown at Moda Center at Rose Quarter in Sacramento. Fans and those searching for NBA picks today have taken notice.
Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers December 26, 2023 Game Info
When: | Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at 10:00 PM ET |
Where: | Moda Center at the Rose Quarter |
TV: | ROOT Sports NW |
Stream: | NBA League Pass |
De’Aaron Fox (PG) vs. Anfernee Simons (SG)
De’Aaron Fox has taken his game to new heights this season, averaging career highs in points (29.7), rebounds (4.4), and field goal percentage (50%) while leading the Kings’ offensive attack. His quickness and playmaking ability could prove extremely difficult for Portland to contain. However, Fox has struggled with turnovers (2.5 per game) and his on-ball defense remains a work in progress.
Anfernee Simons has embraced his role as Portland’s new number one scoring option in the wake of Damian Lillard’s injury absence. He’s averaging 27.1 points per game while shooting 45% from the field and 37% from three. Simons can light up the scoreboard in a hurry when he gets hot. His efficiency has dropped off in recent games though, and his assist numbers remain modest for a lead guard (5.9 per game).
This matchup pits two of the league’s most dangerous young scorers against one another. Whichever player can exploit favorable matchups and get into a rhythm early could go a long way in determining this game’s outcome. If Fox can pressure Simons defensively it could lead to transition buckets for Sacramento. Meanwhile, Simons’ shooting gives Portland a fighter’s chance if he has the hot hand.
Kings’ Commanding Court Presence: Sacramento’s Strengths
The Kings have been prolific offensively, scoring an average of 118.3 points per game with an impressive 47.3% field goal percentage and 37.2% 3-point shooting (37.2%) adding significant threat to their offense, as does 28.7 assists per game and 28.7% free-throw percentage (73.7%) with higher fouls per game (20.8) possibly being areas of concern.
Trail Blazers’ Tactical Analysis: Portland’s Path to Victory
The Trail Blazers, despite their record, have demonstrated great promise by averaging 108 points per game with an outstanding 3-point field goal percentage (35.1%) and solid rebounding (41.4 per game) and steals (8.7 per game), both which could impede on Kings’ flow. Their overall field goal percentage (43.8%) as well as high turnover rates (14.7 per game) suggest areas for improvement.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
As the betting odds are yet to be finalized, the Kings might emerge as favorites given their superior record and offensive statistics. However, bettors should consider the potential for the Trail Blazers to upset, especially with their home-court advantage.
Sacramento Kings Betting Trends
Kings are 4-1 in their last 5 games.
Kings are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread
Sacramento Kings are 7-5 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 3 of Kings’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 11 of Kings’ 15 last games at home
Portland Trail Blazers Betting Trends
Trail Blazers are 1-4 in their last 5 games.
Trail Blazers are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread
Portland Trail Blazers are 9-5 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Trail Blazers’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 5 of Trail Blazers’ 13 last games at home
Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers Betting Picks
The Kings, with their potent offense and recent form, seem to have the upper hand in this matchup. However, the Trail Blazers’ ability to perform better than expected in home games makes them a potential candidate for an upset.
For bettors using top legal betting sites, considering the point spread and total points could be a strategic move. The Kings are likely to cover the spread, but the Trail Blazers could keep the game closer than expected, especially at home.