Sacramento Kings vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, Betting Odds, Picks

• The Sacramento Kings are coming off of an upset victory and are now looking to make it back-to-back!
• The Los Angeles Lakers look to extend their winning streak to three in a row.
• The Kings and Lakers have, so far, split the season series 1-1.

Sacramento Kings vs Los Angeles Lakers Odds

Head-to-Head: Sacramento Kings vs Los Angeles Lakers

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How Can the Kings Beat the Lakers?

It is difficult to instill discipline into a young team, but in their last game against the Heat, the Kings showed some uncharacteristic poise.

In a victory over the Miami Heat, the Sacramento Kings were not only able to get off to a strong start, but they remained competitive as the game grew. After earning an 8-point lead in the first quarter of their last game, the Kings found the means to win despite entering a tied fourth quarter.

With the potential of Los Angeles’ firepower, the Kings must get off to another strong start. If they can’t build a strong first quarter, the Laker’s offense could overwhelm them.

Kings Key Player: (G) De’Aaron Fox

DE’AARON FOX GOT UP ✈️ pic.twitter.com/Hz4xH0fs1y

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 27, 2021

Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox has his critics, but in his last game against the Miami Heat he showed that he has all the makings of a star guard.

In their recent victory over the Heat, Fox posted 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists on 5 of 12 shooting from the field. Most importantly, Fox scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, where his ability to get to the free throw line couldn’t be stopped.

Fox must put pressure on the Lakers defense if Sacramento hopes to earn another upset. Considering the Lakers don’t have their most talented rim protector available, Fox is in an advantageous position entering this matchup.

How Can the Lakers Beat the Kings?

The Los Angeles Lakers are still missing one of their key players in Anthony Davis, but there’s a lot that needs to be done to stave off the Sacramento Kings. In this upcoming matchup, the Lakers bench must step up to match Sacramento’s.

In their last game, a win over the Timberwolves, the Lakers bench combined for 25 points. On the other side, the Kings bench combined for 48 in a win.

Sacramento have the benefit of having Buddy Hield come off the bench, while the Lakers will be staggering their stars amongst a combination of lesser role players. If those role players can’t reward James and Westbrook’s playmaking, the game will fall in favor of the Kings.

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Lakers Key Player: (G) Malik Monk

MALIK MONK MY GOODNESS THIS IS TUFF. (via @Lakers) pic.twitter.com/olKtY09gIr

— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 1, 2022

It was considered an off-season steal when Malik Monk signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. After missing five straight games, Monk has returned in excellent form.

Over his last five games, Monk has averaged 20.0 points on 57.4% shooting from the field and 42.4% shooting from three-point range. He’s been in excellent form, rewarding the playmaking of his teammates with excellent shooting.

With so few regular players available, the Lakers depend on Monk to be the tertiary contributor that supports LeBron James and Russell Westbrook. If he remains on target, the Lakers should take this game easily.

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