Portland Trail Blazers vs Sacramento Kings Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 26/12/2023, 07:00  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 26/12/2023 at 14:00 in NBA Prediction

The Sacramento Kings head to the Moda Center to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night. The hosts are 7-21 and 14th in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 18-12 and in fourth place. 

The Sacramento Kings have been performing well recently, winning six of their last nine games, but they'll be aiming to bounce back after a tough 110-98 loss to the Timberwolves on Saturday. De'Aaron Fox led the team with 27 points and six assists, while Keegan Murray contributed 20 points in the effort. Offensively, the Kings are averaging 117.5 points per game, ranking eighth in the NBA. This puts them just 2.8 points ahead of what the Trail Blazers typically allow (114.7). On the defensive end, the Kings have faced challenges, allowing an average of 117.4 points per game, and are ranked 26th in rebounding. In the only previous matchup between these teams earlier in the season, the Kings emerged victorious with a 121-118 win. The hosts will be without Alex Len, who remains out, and Malik Monk is listed as doubtful.

Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers find themselves in a significant slump, having lost nine of their last ten games. Their recent struggles continued with a 126-106 road defeat against the Warriors, and they will be looking to break a two-game skid. Anfernee Simons led the team with 25 points, while Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon added 17 points each. Offensively, the Trail Blazers rank 29th in the NBA with an average of 108 points per game. In contrast, the Sacramento Kings have the 21st-ranked defense, allowing 117.4 points per game. Despite their offensive challenges, Portland's defense has been decent and have shown strength in limiting opponents' three-point shooting, allowing only a 33% success rate. In terms of injuries, DeAndre Ayton and Shaedon Sharpe are listed as doubtful for the upcoming match.