Indiana Pacers vs Sacramento Kings Betting Pick & Prediction 12/22/24
The Sacramento Kings (-132) will host the Indiana Pacers (+112) in a non-conference matchup at the Golden 1 Center. The Pacers are currently on a three-game win streak and have a record of 13-15. The Kings are on a three-game losing streak and have a record of 13-16. The over/under line for this game is 236 points.
This game will tip-off at 6:00 ET and can be seen on NBCS.
INDIANA PACERS VS SACRAMENTO KINGS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Sacramento Kings -2
This game will be played at Golden 1 Center at 6:00 ET on Sunday, December 22nd.
WHY BET THE SACRAMENTO KINGS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 137-125 in favor of the Kings.
- Our projections have De’Aaron Fox finishing with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists.
- From the field, we have the Kings finishing with a field goal percentage of 47.2% and knocking down 15 threes.
Will Indiana Shock Everyone at Golden 1 Center?
The Pacers improved to 13-15 on the season with a 120-111 win over the Suns on Thursday. Indiana, who entered the game as +6 point underdogs, not only won but also covered the spread. The total score of 231 points fell just short of the 235.5 O/U line.
A key moment in the game was Indiana’s 14-0 run, which extended their lead from 17-13 to 31-13. The Pacers took control in the 3rd quarter, outscoring Phoenix 37-24, and entered the 4th with a 97-83 lead. Although the Suns narrowed the gap in the final quarter, Indiana held on for the win.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 25 points and 18 rebounds in their win over the Suns, adding 11 points in the 3rd quarter. Myles Turner and Andrew Nembhard each contributed 19 points, with Nembhard shooting 100% from three and adding 8 points in the 3rd.
As a team, the Pacers hit 16 threes at a 39% rate, with an overall FG% of 43.8%. Bennedict Mathurin scored 8 of his 16 points in the 4th quarter, while T.J. McConnell also added 6 of his 11 points in the final period.
Despite giving up 111 points, the Pacers’ defense did enough to secure the win over the Suns. Indiana allowed 29 points in the 1st quarter and 30 in the 2nd, but tightened up in the 3rd, giving up just 24 points. They finished strong, holding Phoenix to 28 points in the 4th.
Indiana limited the Suns to just 9 threes on 30% shooting from deep. The Pacers also controlled the boards, allowing 7 offensive rebounds while collecting 38 defensive boards. They added 9 steals and 7 blocks in the game.
Will Sacramento Pull Through as the Favored Home Team?
The Kings dropped to 13-16 on the season after a 103-99 home loss to the Lakers on Saturday. Sacramento, who entered the game as 4-point favorites, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were well below the O/U line of 227.5, finishing 25.5 points under.
Sacramento trailed 31-26 after the 1st quarter but fought back, outscoring the Lakers 27-25 in the 2nd. However, they couldn’t gain much ground, as the Lakers edged them 25-24 in the 3rd. The Kings entered the 4th quarter down 81-77, and both teams scored 22 points in the final period.
In their 99-point effort against the Lakers, the Kings struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 10 threes at a 27% clip. Overall, they shot 43.3% from the field.
De’Aaron Fox was a bright spot, scoring 31 points on 70.6% shooting, including 3 made threes at 60%. Domantas Sabonis added 19 points and 19 rebounds, contributing 7 points in the 4th quarter.
Despite giving up 31 points in the 1st quarter, the Kings tightened up defensively, allowing just 25 points in both the 2nd and 3rd quarters, and only 22 in the 4th. They held the Lakers to 103 points, even with Los Angeles shooting 48% from the field.
Sacramento excelled in defending the three, limiting the Lakers to 9 made threes on 25% shooting. They also sent the Lakers to the line 21 times, where they hit 14 free throws. The Kings finished with 35 defensive rebounds, gave up 9 offensive boards, and recorded 10 steals.