On a ten-game NBA slate, Kings vs. Bulls might not pack the most powerful punch. However, in terms of sheer entertainment, this is a game casual fans will want to tune in for. These teams roster dynamic scorers and fast-paced offenses; that’s the perfect recipe for a shootout.
Chicago, 3-0, is looking to make a statement to start the new season. Sacramento, 1-3, is fresh off of a 107-101 loss to the Thunder on Tuesday night. Both squads enter this one with uncertainty – who has the edge tonight? Here’s my preview, prediction, and pick for Wednesday’s Sacramento Kings vs. Chicago Bulls matchup.
The Bulls are 5.5-point favorites (-105) over the Kings on DraftKings Sportsbook. Chicago is favored at -205 on the moneyline. The total for this matchup is set at 238.5 points.
Kings vs. Bulls prediction, preview
It’s not as though the Bulls have been beating up on cellar-dwellers to start the season. Their three wins have come against the Pistons, Magic and Hawks, all postseason contenders. Granted, you’d be forgiven for some skepticism. After all, we’ve seen Chicago turn hot starts into play-in mediocrity for years. Still, this is a deep, youthful roster that has plenty of capable contributors. Six different players on the team are averaging at least 13.0 points.
The biggest surprise in the Windy City? This group has proven difficult to score on. Chicago ranks third in basketball with a 106.4 defensive rating. Last season, the team ranked 18th in that category. There will probably be some regression to the mean. After all, center Nikola Vucevic has never been an above-average rim protector. Regardless, the Bulls possess several lengthy, disruptive defenders, such as Patrick Williams, Ayo Dosunmu, and Isaac Okoro.
Locking down the wings will be crucial for Wednesday’s matchup. Sacramento’s offense revolves around the trio of Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. The latter two operate frequently on the perimeter, so one of Okoro or Williams should remain on the court. The Kings, despite losing, impressed last night vs. OKC. Newly signed guard Russell Westbrook (16 pts., nine reb., four ast.) was a standout against his former club.
Much like Chicago, the Kings have been solid on defense. Unfortunately for Sacramento, the team is 26th in offensive rating (108.7). Sabonis (10.7 PPG) has been especially disappointing in that regard. Getting the big man going will be vital for SacTown’s chances tonight. Over his last six meetings with the Bulls, Sabonis is averaging 16.7 points, 15.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists while shooting 53.0%.
Kings vs. Bulls pick, best bet
The Kings are due for a better performance from their best player, especially against the defensively limited Vucevic. However, Chicago has looked far more well-rounded over the past week. In addition, winning the second leg of a road back-to-back is never easy. If the Bulls limit one of Sacramento’s Big Three, they should earn another victory tonight.
