Kings vs Lakers Picks and Predictions: Royal Pain for Lakers

The Sacramento Kings are one of the biggest surprises of the entire NBA season. The Kings have missed the playoffs every season since 2006, but this year feels different, thanks to De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Tonight, they get the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth matchup between the two teams this year. 

The Lakers have done well staying afloat with Anthony Davis still sidelined, winning six of their last 10 games. Like most nights, they'll need LeBron James to dominate if they want to win.

Find out your best options with our free NBA picks and predictions for Kings vs. Lakers tonight.

Kings vs Lakers best odds

Kings vs Lakers picks and predictions

Anyone still in denial about how good the Kings are should start paying attention. While they might not be ready to contend for a title, this is a well-coached and talented team that knows how to play team basketball. The Lakers, still without Anthony Davis, will have difficulty securing a victory tonight. 

The Kings are an impressive 17-6 when listed as a favorite this season. They know how to handle business and defeat the teams they are supposed to. Tonight should be no different, as they are a better team overall than the Lakers. 

L.A. has been the underdog an alarming 33 times this season, and have done a poor job of proving critics wrong, as they've only won 13 of those 33 matchups. It's been LeBron or nothing for Los Angeles of late. The legendary James is averaging a remarkable 35.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.6 assists over his last 10 games, and the Lakers have managed a 6-4 record. Sacramento is 7-3 in the same time frame and has won four in a row. 

The Kings have prevailed in two out of three matchups with the Lakers this season, with Los Angeles narrowly winning the latest matchup with a bit of controversy at the end. The Kings are the highest-scoring team in the entire NBA (120 PPG), and they'll be too much for the Lakers again tonight.

My best bet: Kings moneyline (-175 at bet365)

Kings vs Lakers spread analysis

The spread is currently sitting at -4 in favor of the Kings. The Lakers have struggled mightily this season against this club, dropping two of three matchups, so this spread makes a lot of sense. 

The spread would be wider if it weren't for the ridiculous level of play James is demonstrating right now. Will the man ever hit the inevitable Father Time wall and begin to descend? James is coming off a 48-point explosion against the Rockets on Monday, and we could see another outrageous performance tonight. 

Still, even with James' ability to take over a game, the Kings are clicking and have too much in their arsenal right now not to handle business. Fox has scored over 30 points in two of the three matchups this season, so keep an eye out for him tonight. Sacramento might play with a sizable lead early and throughout if he gets going early.

I favor the Kings against the spread.

Kings vs Lakers Over/Under analysis

The Kings, who score more points than anyone else in the NBA on a nightly basis, will help hit the Over tonight. The total is set at 245.5, which is a massive number, but it's one that these teams can easily eclipse. 

The Lakers possess a Top 10 scoring offense, producing 117 points per game, which presents an issue for the Kings’ 24th-ranked defense. There will likely be plenty of fast breaks and consistent pushing of the ball down the court. Both teams rank in the top three in pace, which will show up on the scoreboard. 

The Kings, who can put up points in a hurry, should see little resistance tonight as the Lakers' defense ranks 27th in opponent points per game (118.1). Two of the three matchups between Los Angeles and Sacramento eclipsed the total for tonight, and this one won't be any different.

Kings vs Lakers betting trend to know

The Over is 5-0 in the Kings' last five overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Kings vs. Lakers.

Kings vs Lakers game info

Kings vs Lakers key injuries

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