Sacramento Kings vs Washington-wizards Picks and Predictions January 19th 2025

Sacramento Kings vs Washington-Wizards January 19th 2025

In a non-conference matchup, the Kings (-1672) host the Wizards (+902) at the Golden 1 Center. Sacramento (-16.5) is favored and has a record of 21-20, while Washington (6-34) has lost nine straight and is 15th in the Eastern Conference.

This game will tip-off at 9:00 ET and will be shown on NBCS.

Wizards vs. Kings Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Washington Wizards at Sacramento Kings
• Where: Sacramento at Golden 1 Center
• Date: Sunday, January 19th
• Betting Odds SAC -16.5, WAS +902 | SAC -1672 O/U 232.5

The Wizards Can Win If…

The Wizards fell to 6-34 on the season after a 122-114 loss to the Warriors on Saturday. Washington was +13.5 point underdogs going into the game, but managed to keep things closer than expected. The total score of 236 points went over the pre-game line of 231.5.

Washington started strong, leading 60-53 at one point, but the Warriors went on an 11-0 run to take control. The Wizards trailed just 89-87 going into the 4th quarter, but Golden State pulled away by outscoring them 33-27 in the final period.

In the Wizards’ 122-114 loss to the Warriors, Jordan Poole led the way with 38 points, hitting 8 threes at a 53.3% clip. Overall, the Wizards connected on 22 threes, shooting 48.9% from deep.

Kyle Kuzma added 22 points, with 15 coming in the 4th quarter. Bub Carrington chipped in 17 points, making 4 threes at 66.7% efficiency.

The Wizards gave up 122 points to the Warriors on Saturday, with their defense struggling in the 3rd and 4th quarters, where they allowed 36 and 33 points, respectively. Washington allowed Golden State to shoot 46% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Wizards held the Warriors to 14 made threes on 34% shooting. Washington sent Golden State to the line 24 times, where they hit 18 free throws. The Wizards also recorded 5 steals and 2 blocks in the game.

• Through their last ten road contests, the Wizards offense has averaged 105 points per game while allowing an average of 120. Washington posted an overall record of 0-10 while going 4-4-2 ATS.
• In their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Wizards have a straight up record of 1-9 and an ATS mark of 5-5.
• Over their last five games, the Wizards have an over/under record of 4-0-1 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.

The Kings Can Win If…

The Kings moved above .500 for the first time this season with a 132-127 win over the Rockets on Thursday, bringing their record to 21-20. Sacramento was favored by 4.5 points and covered the spread with the win. The game’s total of 259 points went well over the 224.5-point line.

Sacramento took control with a 10-0 run early, turning a 36-36 tie into a 46-36 lead. They outscored Houston 35-27 in the 2nd quarter and entered the 4th quarter with a 90-85 lead. Both teams scored 42 points in the final period.

In their win over the Rockets, the Kings shot 50% from the field and hit 14 threes at a 42.4% clip. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 33 points, while Malik Monk added 26, and Domantas Sabonis contributed 20 points and 14 rebounds.

DeRozan scored 16 points in the 4th quarter, and Monk added 12 in the final period. Sabonis had 12 points in the 2nd quarter, and Keegan Murray scored 8 of his 18 points in the opening frame.

Despite a solid defensive start, the Kings struggled in the 4th quarter, giving up 42 points but still managed to secure a 132-127 win over the Rockets. Sacramento allowed Houston to shoot 52% from the field, including 36% from three-point range, where the Rockets hit 12 threes.

The Kings sent the Rockets to the free-throw line 24 times, with Houston converting 17 of those attempts. Sacramento finished with 32 defensive rebounds, while allowing 12 offensive boards. The Kings also recorded 5 steals and 3 blocks in the game.

• In their last ten games at home, the Kings have a straight up record of 6-4 while going 4-5-1 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 118 points per game in these contests.
• The Kings have played well in their last five games as the betting favorite, going 5-0 straight up and 3-1-1 against the spread.
• In their last five games, the Kings have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 4-1 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Coming in as the underdogs at +16.5, we have the Wizards as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 232.5, and our model predicts the Wizards and Kings to score a combined 280 points. We recommend betting on the over.

Wizards Seek to Break Losing Streak Against Streaking Kings

Wizards Look for Bench Boost to End Skid Against Kings

The Washington Wizards hope for contributions from their bench as they face the Sacramento Kings on Sunday in the second game of a back-to-back. The Wizards are in desperate need of a win to snap their nine-game losing streak, while the Kings are surging with victories in eight of their last nine games.

Wizards: Seeking Bench Production

The Wizards (0-9 in their last nine games) opened their six-game road trip with a 122-114 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, despite a standout performance from Jordan Poole, who dropped 38 points.

Washington coach Brian Keefe, who played just eight players in the loss, is calling on his bench to step up in Sacramento. Reserves Corey Kispert, Kyshawn George, and Jonas Valanciunas combined for 22 points in the loss to Golden State, far short of the production needed to compete with high-powered opponents like the Kings.

Keefe remains optimistic about his reserves’ ability to impact the game. “It starts with the readiness. It’s their opportunity,” Keefe said. “We’ve got a lot of guys playing on our team, so it just shows you the work they’re doing behind the scenes.”

The Wizards saw better bench contributions in their last home game, a 130-123 loss to the Phoenix Suns, when the second unit combined for 65 points, including 10 from Justin Champagnie and six from Jared Butler. Both players, rested after sitting out against Golden State, could be key against Sacramento.

Kings: Defending the Home Court

The Kings (8-1 in their last nine games) have been nearly unstoppable at home under interim coach Doug Christie, winning five straight since his promotion. Christie has emphasized the importance of protecting home court, a message that has resonated with the team.

“Part of my message to them is nobody comes in your house messing with your stuff. You must — must — protect your house,” Christie said.

The Kings have thrived at Golden 1 Center with recent victories over playoff-caliber teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat. Their last game, a 132-127 win over the Houston Rockets, demonstrated their ability to close out tight contests.

De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis continue to lead the way for Sacramento. Sabonis delivered a triple-double in the Kings’ 143-131 win over Washington in last season’s matchup in Sacramento, and he’ll look to dominate again against a struggling Wizards team.

Key Matchups

1. Jordan Poole vs. De’Aaron Fox: Poole, fresh off a 38-point performance, will aim to replicate his scoring output against Fox, one of the league’s top guards.
2. Domantas Sabonis vs. Jonas Valanciunas: Sabonis’ all-around game could pose problems for Valanciunas, who will need to step up defensively and on the boards.
3. Wizards Bench vs. Kings Depth: Washington’s reserves must provide more scoring support to match the Kings’ balanced attack, especially at home.

What’s at Stake

The Wizards are desperate to end their nine-game losing streak and avoid falling further in the standings. For the Kings, a win would reinforce their dominance at home and keep their momentum rolling as they climb the Western Conference standings.

Conclusion

The Wizards face a daunting challenge against a red-hot Kings team that has turned Golden 1 Center into a fortress. Will Washington’s bench rise to the occasion and help snap their skid, or will Sacramento continue its strong play at home? All signs point to a high-energy battle in Sacramento.