Minnesota Timberwolves vs Sacramento Kings Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 01/03/2024, 06:25  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 01/03/2024 at 12:00 in NBA Prediction

The Sacramento Kings will travel to the Target Center to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA on Friday night. The hosts are 42-17 and lead the Western Conference, while the visitors are 33-25 and eighth in the Conference standings. 

The Sacramento Kings have not been performing at their best, losing six of their last ten games. They will be hoping for a better showing here, though, after a disappointing 117-96 road loss to the Nuggets on Wednesday. Keegan Murray led the team in scoring with 21 points on 9-of-17 shooting, and Chris Duarte added 18 points off the bench. Sacramento currently ranks eighth in the NBA in offense, averaging 118.1 points per game, while the Minnesota Timberwolves boast the top-ranked defense, allowing just 106.3 points per game. They score 6.3 more points per game at home (121.6) compared to on the road (115.3). Defensively, they concede an average of 117.8 points per game, ranking 22nd in the league. Sasha Vezenkov is ruled out due to injury, and De'Aaron Fox is questionable for the upcoming game.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been in excellent form, winning seven of their last eight games and are now aiming for their fourth consecutive victory after defeating the Grizzlies 110-101 on Wednesday. Anthony Edwards led the team with 34 points on 11-of-21 shooting, while Naz Reid contributed 19 points off the bench. Minnesota ranks 20th in scoring in the NBA, averaging 113.6 points per game, while the Sacramento Kings rank 22nd in points allowed per game, giving up an average of 117.8 points. However, the Timberwolves' greatest strength this season has been on the defensive end, where they allow just 106.3 points per contest, the best record in the NBA this season. Interestingly, their defense has been particularly strong at home, allowing just 102.4 points per game, compared to 109.9 points per game on the road. Kyle Anderson is listed as doubtful for the upcoming game.