Sacramento Kings vs Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
April 9, 2016
Date & Time: Saturday, April 9, 10:30 PM
Venue: Sleep Train Arena (Sacramento)
Head to head record
Sacramento Kings vs Oklahoma City Thunder 116-131 (2015/2016 NBA)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Sacramento Kings 104-116 (2015/2016 NBA)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Sacramento Kings 98-95 (2015/2016 NBA)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Sacramento Kings 116-103 (2014/2015 NBA)
Sacramento Kings vs Oklahoma City Thunder 104-83 (2014/2015 NBA)
Sacramento Kings vs Oklahoma City Thunder prediction
Sacramento Kings have little to play for in Saturday’s match against Oklahoma City Thunder. George Karl’s men have slim chances of booking their place in the NBA play-offs, but their pride will be at stake this time out.
Good season, but…
Unlike previous seasons, Sacramento Kings have been producing fine performances in the 2015/2016 NBA campaign. The team have obviously made a lot of progress, but, as things stand now, they will not participate in the NBA play-offs. Anyhow, Kings will give their best to beat star-studded Thunder at their Sleep Train Arena on Saturday evening. Sacramento head into the match following back-to-back defeats to the likes of Portland and Minnesota and it has to be noted that coach George Karl rested his key players DeMarcus Cousins in the 105-97 loss to Timberwolves. Kings have little to play for in the game against Thunder, meaning that the team’s top scorer could be rested once again. Anyhow, you should have in mind that Sacramento are eyeing their 18th home win of the season.
The likes of Omri Casspi, Caron Butler, Rajon Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins were all rested against Minnesota and it remains to be seen if coach George Karl is going to stick to his rotation policy against Oklahoma City Thunder.
Thunder with one eye on the play-offs
Over the years Oklahoma City Thunder have established themselves as one of the best teams in Western Conference. The team failed to make it to the NBA play-offs last season, but it has to be noted that duo Russell Westbrook – Kevin Durant was struggling with injuries throughout the season. The duo, though, has been playing key role in Billy Donovan’s team this term, but they are likely to be rested in Saturday’s game against Sacramento as Thunder have already clinched third position in the Western Conference. Enes Kanter scored 33 points in the 120-115 defeat to Portland Trail Blazers and all eyes will be on him when Oklahoma face Kings at Sleep Train Arena. Coach Billy Donovan will use the upcoming match to rest his key players, but the visitors are still regarded as favourites to win Saturday’s game. It has to be noted that Thunder scored 100+ points in seven of their last eight away games.
Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are both likely to be rested against Sacramento. Spain international Serge Ibaka is likely to miss the Sleep Train Arena clash as well.
Interesting Facts
- Sacramento recorded only three wins in last ten home games
- Kings are on a three-game losing run at home
- Oklahoma conceded over 100 points in seven of their last eight away games
- 247 points were scored in last meetings between the two teams
- Thunder are averaging 110.3 points this season
- Durant and Westbrook are averaging 56 points between each other
Sacramento Kings vs Oklahoma City Thunder betting pick
As I have already mentioned, both coaches are likely to rest their key players in Saturday’s NBA game and despite the fact that no less than 247 points were scored in last meeting between Sacramento and Oklahoma, I am tempted to put my money on under points total this time out. Thunder duo Durant – Westbrook will be sorely missed in the Sleep Train Arena game and, taking everything into account, a low-scoring clash appears on the horizon.
Pick: Under points total
Odds: -110
