It’s a Pacific Division showdown on Friday night between two teams many expected to be on the same level. The rebuild has not yet begun for the Phoenix Suns, who have remained competitive in the post-Kevin Durant era. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings are falling apart at the seams, despite many veteran acquisitions over the past two years. Two ships passing in the night, seemingly.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
OUT: Domantas Sabonis (SAC), Zach LaVine (SAC), Jalen Green (PHX)
Questionable: Grayson Allen (PHX)
Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. ET. Phoenix enters as a 13.5-point home favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Sacramento is listed as a +525 underdog. The game’s total is set at 226.5 points.
Kings vs. Suns Preview
Phoenix’s strength lies in its depth. The Suns have done an excellent job tailoring their roster, featuring a whopping six players averaging double-digit points per game. Dillon Brooks sets the tone defensively while picking up a lot of slack behind Devin Booker. Grayson Allen continues to grow as a shooter and overall scorer. Mark Williams has fit like a glove, providing a defensive presence while being a consistent paint scorer. It’s a well-balanced roster, and first-year head coach Jordan Ott has maximized its potential.
Things aren’t so glamorous for the Kings. Their projected starting lineup has yet to step on the floor together through 34 games. Domantas Sabonis has missed 21 straight games, Zach LaVine has missed nine, and Keegan Murray has been banged up all season long. They don’t have the depth to survive these injuries, and have plummeted to the league’s third-worst record at 8-26. But that hasn’t stopped Russell Westbrook from getting busy. In particular, the former MVP is enjoying his minutes alongside rookie center Maxime Raynaud.
Westbrook has an impressive personal milestone on the line Friday night. With 17 more points, he would pass Oscar Robertson for 15th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. A name he’ll forever be linked to, it would be special to see Westbrook pass the Big O in the Kings uniform that Robinson wore so proudly during his career.
But sentiment won’t get the Kings past the Suns. Do they have enough juice to pull the upset?
Kings vs. Suns Pick, Best Bet
If healthy, this would be a much more interesting matchup. Sabonis and LaVine provide the offensive firepower that Sacramento is currently aching for. Phoenix’s deep and versatile batch of defenders can pick their targets easily, while nobody is around to stop Devin Booker and company from getting busy on the other end. Count on the Suns to coast to victory on Friday night.
