THE Kings of Sacramento will fight the Minnesota Timberwolves for the third and final time this season on Friday. Sacramento, which lost 110-98 on Dec. 23, will look to win the head-to-head matchup in the rematch. Kings hope De’Aaron Fox will be allowed to play as this will increase their chances of coming away with victory.
The Timberwolves are also uncertain about the status of Anthony Edwards. The Minnesota franchise cornerstone is dealing with a bruised left knee, but had previously insisted he would play. Minnesota’s goal of defending its home field will be better if “Ant-Man” can suit up.
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The Kings are in a bit of a crisis heading into their matchup with the Timberwolves. They lost two straight games to the Miami Heat on Monday and the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. There will be no rest for the weary as they have the best team in the West in terms of records awaiting them.
Sacramento Kings vs Minnesota Timberwolves: Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips
The Timberwolves will host the Kings on Friday at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, starting at 8 p.m. ET. Bally Sports North and NBC Sports California are the local networks that will cover the game. Streaming is also available by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.
Basketball fans can also tune into SiriusXM, KFAN FM/Wolves App/iHeart Radio and Sactown Sports 1140 AM to follow the action.
Money line: Kings (+205) vs. Timberwolves (-250)
Spread: Kings (+6.5) vs. Timberwolves (+6.5)
Total (P/U): Kings (o223.5 -110) vs. Timberwolves (u223.5 -110)
Editor’s Note: Odds may change as the game approaches. The odds listed were consistent with information available at the time of writing.
Sacramento Kings vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Game Preview
De’Aaron Fox did not play in the Sacramento Kings’ 117-96 drubbing of the Denver Nuggets. If he’s not available, the Kings could have a long night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Sacramento can survive stretches without him, but for an entire game it’s unlikely to overtake the team with the best home record in the West.
Domantas Sabonis played like he was snubbed from the All-Star team. The rest of the team, however, did not progress. Everyone will have to contribute to have a chance to beat the Timberwolves.
After a mediocre January by their standards, the Minnesota Timberwolves were humming again in February. They finished that month with an 8-3 record, which included their current three-game winning streak. If Anthony Edwards is not allowed to play, they will struggle to beat their visitors.
Sacramento Kings vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Starting Lineups
De’Aaron Fox will get his usual point guard role if he returns to action. Otherwise, Davion Mitchell could continue to take his place.
PF – Domantas Sabonis, SF -Harrison Barnes, SF -Keegan Murray and SG – Kevin Huerter should also come forward to be informed.
Anthony Edwards will fill the starting shooting guard spot if he can suit up for Minnesota. Nickeil Walker-Alexander could play in his place if the two-time All-Star is retained.
VS – Karl-Anthony Towns, VS – Rudy Gobert, PF -Jaden McDaniels and PG – Mike Conley should start for the Timberwolves.
Editor’s Note: These are projected starting lineups, which could change depending on the availability of players uncertain to play.
Sacramento Kings vs Minnesota Timberwolves: Betting Tips
Cities of Karl-Anthony gets a prop of 21.5 points over/under. The All-Star center averaged 20.8 PPG last month. In Wednesday’s win over the Memphis Grizzlies, he worked his way to 13 points. Sacramento’s undersized front line could be exactly what can help it get going. The Kings don’t have an elite rim protector who could allow Town to surpass their scoring prop.
De’Aaron Fox has a prop of 24.5 points over/under. “Swipa” scores well when available. Over his last five games, he has averaged 31.6 points on 52.1% shooting. Minnesota’s defense, however, is formidable and Rudy Gobert provides elite rim protection. The speedy Cat guard might not recover from his stitches, especially since he’s dealing with a bruised left knee.
Sacramento Kings vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Prediction
The availability of De’Aaron Fox and Anthony Edwards will play a vital role in the game between the Sacramento Kings and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both are the most powerful scorers of their respective teams and the essential players.
If both can play, the Timberwolves will likely defend their home court but allow the Kings to cover the +6.5 spread.
