Denver Nuggets vs Sacramento Kings Picks and Predictions January 23rd 2025

Denver Nuggets vs Sacramento Kings January 23rd 2025

At 9:00 ET, the Sacramento Kings (23-20) will travel to take on the Denver Nuggets (27-16) at Ball Arena. The Nuggets are favored by 7.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 240.5.

This Western Conference matchup will be televised on NBCS. The Kings are currently on a three-game win streak and are 7th in the Western Conference. On the other side, the Nuggets are 4th in the West and have also won three straight.

Whether you’re new or seasoned, this insightful betting guide is for you.

Kings vs. Nuggets Key Information

The Kings improved to 23-20 on the season with a 123-117 win over the Warriors on Wednesday. Sacramento was favored by 7.5 points at home but didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total of 240 points went over the 231.5-point line.

After trailing 65-48 at halftime, the Kings turned the game around with a 37-20 third quarter. They went on a 14-0 run, taking the score from 85-76 to 90-85, and outscored the Warriors 38-32 in the final period to seal the win.

DeMar DeRozan’s 32 points and 57.1% shooting led the Kings to a win over the Warriors, with DeRozan hitting 3 threes at a 50% clip. Domantas Sabonis added 26 points and 18 rebounds, shooting 66.7% from the field and also making 2 threes at 50%. Malik Monk contributed 20 points and 9 assists, though he shot just 28.6% from deep, hitting 2 threes.

The Kings shot 50.6% overall, making 11 threes at 36.7%. DeRozan scored 19 points in the 3rd quarter, while Monk added 9 in the 4th. De’Aaron Fox also scored 8 of his 14 points in the final period.

Defensively, the Kings had a strong 1st and 3rd quarter, giving up just 24 and 20 points, respectively, but they struggled in the 2nd, allowing 41 points. Overall, they gave up 117 points on 46% shooting from the field.

The Kings had trouble defending the three, as the Warriors hit 22 threes at a 45% clip. Sacramento sent Golden State to the line 13 times, where they made 9 free throws. The Kings finished with 9 steals and 7 blocks.

The Nuggets improved to 27-16 on the season with a dominant 144-109 win over the 76ers on Tuesday. Denver, who was favored by 11.5 points, easily covered the spread at home. The game’s total of 253 points exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 233 by 20 points.

Denver took control with a 12-0 run, extending their lead from 124-104 to 136-104. They held Philadelphia to just 15 points in the 4th quarter while scoring 27 of their own.

The Nuggets’ offense shined in their win over the 76ers, putting up 144 points on 61.2% shooting from the field. They connected on 16 threes, hitting 51.6% from beyond the arc.

Nikola Jokić led the way with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, shooting 66.7% from the field. Julian Strawther added 23 points, with 14 coming in the 2nd quarter, and Christian Braun chipped in 20 points, shooting 72.7%.

Despite giving up 40 points in the 2nd quarter, the Nuggets tightened up defensively in the 4th, allowing just 15 points to secure a 144-109 win over the 76ers. Overall, Denver allowed 109 points on 45% shooting from the field.

The Nuggets sent the 76ers to the line just 8 times, where they made 6 free throws. Denver also gave up 15 threes on 39% shooting. The Nuggets finished with 37 defensive rebounds, 7 steals, and 4 blocks.

As the underdogs with a spread of +7.5, we recommend going with the Kings on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 240.5, and our model predicts the Kings and Nuggets to score a combined 268 points. We recommend betting on the over.

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Nuggets Aim to Slow Surging Kings

The Denver Nuggets, led by the dominant Nikola Jokic, aim to maintain their winning streak against the surging Sacramento Kings.

Nuggets Finding Their Rhythm

The Nuggets looked far from a contender when they were routed by Cleveland on December 27th, surrendering 149 points and dropping their record to a mediocre 16-13. However, nearly a month later, they are starting to resemble the team that claimed the NBA title last season. Denver has won three consecutive games and 11 of their last 14, showcasing a return to their championship form.

“We’re a good team. We’re getting (healthier),” said Christian Braun, who has impressed with 20-point performances in two straight games. “We’re just in a good rhythm, we’re doing things the right way. But we have to continue to get better, don’t be content with where we’re at. This next stretch until All-Star break is obviously really important. It’s always an important stretch, at least for standings.”

Nuggets Benefit from Gordon’s Return

Denver’s fortunes have significantly improved with the return of Aaron Gordon to the lineup six games ago. While coming off the bench, Gordon has provided a crucial spark since recovering from a right calf strain that sidelined him for 19 games across two stints on the injured reserve list. This strategic approach appears to be paying dividends for the Nuggets.

Jokic Continues to Dominate

Nikola Jokic continues to be a force of nature, amassing four consecutive triple-doubles, bringing his season total to an NBA-leading 19. He remains the team’s undisputed leader, topping the league in scoring (30.1 points), rebounds (13.2), and assists (9.9) per game. Jamal Murray provides consistent support, ranking second on the team in scoring with 19.8 points, while Michael Porter Jr. contributes 18.2 points per game.

Kings Surge Under Interim Coach

Denver will face a stiff challenge in the Sacramento Kings, who are playing the second leg of a back-to-back set. However, the Kings are riding a wave of momentum. They overcame a late deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors 123-117 on Wednesday night, extending their winning streak to three games since coach Mike Brown was dismissed in late December.

Sacramento has thrived under interim coach Doug Christie, boasting a 10-2 record since the coaching change. Notably, one of their recent losses prior to the coaching transition came at home against the Nuggets on December 16th, where Denver staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 10-point deficit in the final four minutes to secure a 130-129 victory.

Kings Fueled by Fox and Sabonis

The Kings are playing at a high level, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Fox is averaging 25.6 points per game, while Sabonis has solidified his position as the league’s leading rebounder with a robust average of 14.3 rebounds per game, highlighted by a 18-rebound performance against Golden State. DeMar DeRozan, the team’s second-leading scorer with 21.8 points per game, contributed 32 points in their victory over the Warriors.

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Sabonis’ Improved Shooting

Sabonis has also made significant strides in his three-point shooting, leading the NBA with an impressive 48.5% from beyond the arc. This development is a testament to his dedication and hard work.

“Sometimes it doesn’t happen overnight,” Sabonis acknowledged. “You’ve got to keep doing it one summer, another offseason, another offseason. You just hope at one point you’re going to break through, and so far this year it’s been going in, so I’ve just got to keep sticking with it and shooting with confidence.”

A Battle of Contenders

This highly anticipated matchup promises to be a thrilling battle between two of the Western Conference’s top teams. The Nuggets will need to effectively contain the dynamic duo of Fox and Sabonis while relying on Jokic’s exceptional play to maintain their winning momentum. Conversely, the Kings, driven by their recent success, will be eager to exploit any vulnerabilities in the Nuggets’ defense and extend their winning streak.

This game will serve as a crucial test for both teams as they strive to secure a top seed in the highly competitive Western Conference playoffs.