The New York Knicks visit the Kings of Sacramento Saturday at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, with tip-off at 10 p.m. ET. This will be the opening game of their inter-conference series, which will be included in the NBA’s nine-game slate.
The Knicks (39-27) are fourth in the East Division and second in the Atlantic Division, coming off a 105-93 victory over the second-worst team in the Western Conference, the Portland Trail Blazers, on Thursday on the road.
Meanwhile, the Kings (38-27) are sixth in the West and second in the Pacific Division, having earned a dominant home victory by beating division rivals LA Lakers 120-107 at home on Wednesday.
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New York Knicks vs Sacramento Kings Predictions, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips
The inter-conference game between the Kings and Knicks is scheduled to be broadcast locally on NBCSCA and MSG TV for home and away coverage, respectively.
It will also be available on Fubo TV and NBA League Pass for live streaming, as they allow viewers to access NBA TV for a week of free access, which can be purchased as a subscription.
Spread: Knicks +3.5 vs. Kings -3
Money line: Knicks +130 vs. Kings -148
Total top and bottom: Knicks O 219.5 vs. Kings U 220
New York Knicks vs. Sacramento Kings Preview
Despite numerous injuries throughout the season, the Knicks are slowly recovering, providing a glimmer of hope for a strong conclusion.
They anticipate the return of Julius Randle (shoulder) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle). However, with OG Anunoby returning to the lineup after an 18-game hiatus, the team has shown resilience, posting an impressive 14-2 record when Anunoby plays.
Wins against Eastern contenders like Philadelphia and Portland after Anunoby’s return have instilled the Knicks with renewed confidence as they aim for a record 50 wins. This feat could see them potentially tie the Orlando Magic for the fourth best record in the East.
They are starting to turn things around, having won four of their last six games overall. Their goal now is to achieve a third consecutive victory.
Jalen Brunson spearheaded the team’s effort with 45 points on 14-of-30 shooting, supported by OG Anunoby and Donte DiVincenzo, each contributing 12 points. However, no other player has managed to reach double the scores.
The Sacramento Kings have won four of their last five games, scoring notable back-to-back triumphs at home against formidable opponents such as the Bucks and Lakers. With only 17 games remaining in the regular season, the Kings are showing encouraging momentum.
However, recent injury updates pose a threat to their progress, echoing the challenges faced by the Knicks. Trey Lyles, a key contributor off the bench, was injured during their win over the Bucks, revealing a sprained MCL in his left knee.
Lyles’ absence will undoubtedly create a gap in Sacramento’s roster, impacting their depth and rotation strategy as they navigate the crucial period leading up to the playoffs.
New York Knicks vs. Sacramento Kings starting lineups and rotations
The Knicks will likely start Jalen Brunson at PG, Donte DiVincenzo at SG, Josh Hart at SF, OG Anunoby at PF and Isaiah Hartenstein at center.
The Kings will likely start De’Aaron Fox at PG, Kevin Huerter at SG, Harrison Barnes at SF, Keegan Murray at PF and Domantas Sabonis at center.
The Knicks could opt for a backup PG Miles McBride replacing Jalen Brunson at the end of the first quarter and starting the second, with the same system for the second half, replacing at the end of the third and the beginning of the fourth.
Precious Achiuwa could enter the game to replace Isaiah Hartenstein, a move made to maintain continuity between Hartenstein and Brunson’s playing time.
Mike Brown may choose to deploy Alex Len to replace Domantas Sabonis for the final moments of the first quarter and the first four minutes of the second quarter.
This strategy is reflected in the second half, with Len occasionally receiving minutes late in the fourth quarter, depending on the matchups, to provide a sizeable advantage.
New York Knicks vs Sacramento Kings predictions
Jalen Brunson averaged 27.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.2 blocks. His block prop is set at plus/minus 0.5 and is favored to cross or reach this mark at +375.
De’Aaron Fox is averaging 27.0 ppg, 5.6 ppg, 4.3 ppg, 1.9 ppg and 0.4 ppg. His block accessory is set at plus/minus 0.5 and is favored to cross or reach this mark at +200.
New York Knicks vs. Sacramento Kings Prediction
The Kings are favored to win at home, according to sportsbooks and betting lines. They are favored with a spread of -3 points and -148 on the money line.
However, the Knicks are projected to surpass the points mark at 219.5 while the Kings are projected to fall below 220.
