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Portland Trail Blazers vs Sacramento Kings November 29th 2024
At 10:00 ET, the Sacramento Kings (-217) will travel to take on the Portland Trail Blazers (+179) in a Western Conference matchup. The Kings (9-10) are currently favored by 5.5 points over the Trail Blazers (7-12).
This game will be played at the Moda Center in Portland and can be seen on NBCS.
Kings vs. Trail Blazers Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Sacramento Kings at Portland Trail Blazers
- Where: Portland at Moda Center
- Date: Friday, November 29th
- Betting Odds SAC -5.5, SAC -217 | POR +179 O/U 223.5
The Kings Can Win If…
The Kings moved to 9-10 on the season after a 115-104 win over the Timberwolves on Wednesday. Sacramento, who entered the game as +3 point underdogs, not only won but covered the spread. The total score of 219 points was right on the money, as the over/under line was set at 219.
Sacramento took control with an 11-0 run, turning a 44-41 deficit into a 52-44 lead. They dominated the 2nd quarter, outscoring Minnesota 38-24, but stumbled in the 3rd, scoring just 12 points to the Timberwolves’ 29. The Kings bounced back in the 4th, holding Minnesota to 18 points while putting up 34 of their own to seal the win.
Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk each scored 27 points in the Kings’ win over the Timberwolves, with Sabonis shooting 58.8% from the field and Monk hitting 68.8%, including 3 threes at 60%. De’Aaron Fox added 26 points, also making 3 threes, though at 37.5% efficiency.
The Kings shot 48.9% as a team, making 12 threes at 32.4%. Monk scored 11 points in the 4th quarter, while Fox added 9, after scoring 14 in the 2nd quarter.
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The Kings gave up 33 points in the 1st quarter but tightened up defensively, holding the Timberwolves to just 18 points in the 4th to secure a 115-104 win. Sacramento allowed Minnesota to shoot 44% from the field and 35% from three, where the Timberwolves hit 14 threes.
Defensively, the Kings sent the Timberwolves to the line 27 times, where they made 24 free throws. Sacramento grabbed 35 defensive rebounds while allowing just 4 offensive boards. They also added 8 steals and 3 blocks.
- Sacramento has played well in their previous 5 road games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 107 points per game while allowing 110. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-2.
- As the betting favorite, the Kings have an ATS mark of just 1-4 in their last five games. Sacramento posted a straight up mark of 2-3 in these matchups.
- Over their last three games, the Kings have an over/under record of 1-1-1 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.
The Trail Blazers Can Win If…
Portland’s 121-114 loss to the Pacers on Wednesday dropped the Trail Blazers to 7-12 for the season. Despite being +9.5 point underdogs on the road, Portland managed to cover the spread, losing by seven. The total points for the game hit 235, just over the pre-game line of 231.5.
After leading 31-26 at the end of the 1st quarter, Portland allowed Indiana to take control by winning the 2nd and 3rd quarters. The Pacers went on an 11-0 run, stretching the score from 86-82 to 97-82. Portland outscored Indiana 29-25 in the 4th, but it wasn’t enough to complete a comeback.
Anfernee Simons knocked down 6 threes at a 50% clip, finishing with 30 points and 6 assists in the Trail Blazers’ 121-114 loss to the Pacers. Portland connected on 16 threes, shooting 45.7% from deep and 50.6% overall from the field.
Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe each added 17 points, with Henderson hitting 3 threes at 75%. Simons scored 16 of his points in the 3rd quarter, while Sharpe and Henderson both contributed 6 points in the 4th.
The Trail Blazers gave up 121 points to the Pacers, struggling defensively in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, where they allowed 34 and 36 points, respectively. They tightened up in the 4th, giving up just 25 points. Overall, Portland allowed Indiana to shoot 48% from the field.
From beyond the arc, the Pacers hit 13 threes at a 40% clip. The Trail Blazers also sent Indiana to the line 20 times, with the Pacers converting 16 free throws. Portland recorded 6 steals and 5 blocks in the game.
- Across their ten previous home games, Portland has an ATS mark of 6-4. Their straight up record in these matchups was 3-7 while averaging 103 points per game.
- Going back to their last ten games as the underdog, the Trail Blazers have a straight up record of 4-6. But, their mark vs the spread was just 6-4.
- In their last five games, the Trail Blazers have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.
The Lean
Coming in as the underdogs at +5.5, we have the Trail Blazers 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.
Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 223.5 and given that our model is projecting 273 points between the teams, we like the over.
Jae Crowder Brings Veteran Presence as Kings Face Trail Blazers in NBA Cup Matchup
The Sacramento Kings visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night in an NBA Cup West Group A matchup with playoff implications. Sacramento, fresh off snapping a four-game losing streak, looks to build momentum behind the recent addition of veteran forward Jae Crowder. Meanwhile, Portland seeks to end its skid and keep its tournament hopes alive.
Crowder Makes Immediate Impact for Kings
Jae Crowder wasted no time contributing after signing with the Kings just hours before Wednesday’s 115-104 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 13-year veteran played 27 minutes, recording eight points and four rebounds while helping Sacramento dominate the fourth quarter with a 34-18 scoring advantage.
Crowder, known for his defensive prowess and playoff experience, is expected to complement Sacramento’s star trio of De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan.
“Jae has been around a long time,” Kings coach Mike Brown said. “He’s been in the playoffs 11 straight years, so he knows what it takes to win.”
- Crowder’s Career Stats: 9.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game over 804 career appearances.
- Winning Pedigree: Crowder has played for eight NBA teams before joining Sacramento and made the playoffs in each of the last 11 seasons.
Injury Concerns for Sacramento
DeMar DeRozan, who missed Wednesday’s game due to lower back pain, has been ruled out for Friday’s matchup. His absence puts additional pressure on Fox and Sabonis to lead the Kings’ offense.
Trail Blazers Struggling to Find Consistency
Portland (6-11) has lost four of its last five games, including a 121-114 defeat to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday that concluded a 1-4 road trip. Despite the loss, Anfernee Simons broke out of a slump with 30 points and six 3-pointers, providing a bright spot for the Blazers.
“I thought Ant was good. He was aggressive all night,” Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said. “He made them pay for defensive mistakes.”
Rebounding Woes
Portland’s struggles on the boards have been a recurring issue. Against Indiana, they were outrebounded 47-38, including surrendering 19 offensive boards.
“It’s hard to overcome (nearly) 20 offensive rebounds and (22) second-chance points,” Billups lamented. “It wears you down.”
Injury Concerns for Portland
Forward Jerami Grant, who missed the game against Indiana due to a sprained left knee, is doubtful for Friday’s contest. Grant has been a key contributor for the Blazers, and his absence could exacerbate their rebounding issues.
Recent History and Key Matchups
The Kings have dominated this series recently, winning six of the past seven meetings. Their most recent victory came on Oct. 28, when Sacramento won 111-98 at home behind 24 points from Fox and 23 from DeRozan. Deandre Ayton led Portland in that game with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
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Key Matchups to Watch
- Jae Crowder vs. Portland’s Wings: Crowder’s defensive presence and ability to stretch the floor will be crucial, especially with DeRozan sidelined.
- Anfernee Simons vs. Sacramento’s Guards: Simons’ resurgence will test the Kings’ backcourt defense, led by Fox.
- Domantas Sabonis vs. Deandre Ayton: The battle of the big men will be critical, particularly in controlling the boards.
- Rebounding Edge: Portland must improve its effort on the glass to limit Sacramento’s second-chance opportunities.
NBA Cup Implications
- Kings (0-2): Sacramento must win to avoid elimination in West Group A, where the Houston Rockets lead with a 3-0 record.
- Blazers (1-1): Portland remains alive in the group but needs a win to stay competitive for a spot in the knockout round.
The Bigger Picture
The Kings are looking to build momentum behind their new addition, while the Trail Blazers aim to overcome their recent struggles and get back on track. With both teams dealing with key injuries, Friday’s game will be a test of depth and resilience. Can the Kings continue their dominance over Portland, or will the Blazers capitalize on home court to keep their NBA Cup hopes alive? Fans are in for an intriguing battle.
