"February 14, 2023 NBA Preview: Phoenix Suns vs Sacramento Kings on Valentine's Day"

Odds

2022-2023 season stats

Preview

The Phoenix Suns return home to host the Sacramento Kings at the Footprint Center on Monday night. These teams faced each other earlier this season in Sacramento where the Suns took the win 122-117.  

Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns have won 4 out of their last 5 games and hold a 31-27 record overall, ranking 2nd in the Pacific Division. They have been dominant against their Pacific Division opponents, boasting an 8-0 record. The team is currently ranked third in the Western Conference, averaging 27.1 assists per game, with Deandre Ayton leading the team with 2.1 assists per game. 

The Phoenix Suns beat the Indiana Pacers 117-104 on Friday, with Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker, and Chris Paul leading the team in scoring. Despite trading for Kevin Durant the day before, who is expected to join the team after the All-Star break, the Suns dominated the Pacers and outrebounded them by 64-45. Booker expressed excitement about the addition of Durant to the team, saying he will "fit right in." Durant was not present for the game, having not played since January due to a knee injury.

Deandre Ayton has been one of the standout players for the Phoenix Suns this season. The 6'11" center has been a force on the offensive end, averaging 18.6 points per game on an impressive 58.9% shooting from the field. Ayton's combination of size, strength, and skill in the post has made him a tough matchup for any defender. He's also been a dominant force on the glass, averaging 11.5 rebounds per game.

But Ayton is not the only player contributing to the Suns' success. Phoenix has also shown their prowess from beyond the arc, shooting 37.9% from deep. This is the fifth-highest three-point shooting percentage in the league, and it's largely due to the team's deep roster of sharpshooters. Players like Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, and Cameron Johnson have all been reliable from three-point range, and their ability to stretch the floor has opened up opportunities for Ayton and other Suns players to operate in the post.

The Suns have also been solid from the free-throw line, shooting 79.3% from the stripe. This is the 11th-highest free-throw shooting percentage in the league, and it's a testament to the team's discipline and focus. When the game is on the line, the Suns have been able to convert from the charity stripe and seal victories.

On the defensive end, the Suns have been equally impressive. They're allowing 111.3 points per game, which is the 15th most in the league. However, they're also holding their opponents to a relatively low shooting percentage of 46.7% from the field. According to dunksandthrees.com, the Suns have the seventh-lowest adjusted defensive rating in the NBA. This is largely due to their ability to contest shots near the rim and their solid perimeter defense. They've only allowed their opponents to shoot 36% from deep, which is the 15th-lowest three-point shooting percentage allowed in the league.

The Suns have also been dominant on the boards, grabbing 44.1 rebounds per game. This is the 11th most in the league, and it's a testament to the team's physicality and toughness. With Ayton anchoring the frontcourt and players like Bridges and Johnson crashing the boards from the wing, the Suns have been able to control the glass and limit their opponents' second-chance opportunities.

In their last 10 games, the Suns are 7-3, averaging 112.7 points, 47.8 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 8.5 steals and 5.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.8 points per game.

Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings enter the game with a 32-24 record overall, ranking 1st in the Pacific Division, and a 15-12 record on the road. They have a 5-5 record against the rest of their division and are 13-9 in games decided by 10 or more points.

De'Aaron Fox scored 36 points, including six free throws in the final 18.4 seconds of overtime, leading the Sacramento Kings to a 133-128 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night. Fox was effective on both ends of the court, with 26 of his points coming in the fourth quarter and overtime, and he also played solid defense. Domantas Sabonis had a double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Terence Davis contributed 22 points off the bench and Kevin Huerter added 15. Kings coach Mike Brown praised the team's defense and individual performances in the game.

The Sacramento Kings have been led by the dynamic play of De'Aaron Fox on the offensive end of the court. Fox has been averaging an impressive 24.6 points per game on 50.6% shooting from the floor. But Fox is not the only weapon in the Kings' arsenal. The team has demonstrated that they have snipers throughout their roster, with a three-point shooting percentage of 36.5%, which is the 10th-highest in the league. The Kings have also been effective at the free-throw line, hitting 80.1% of their shots. This is the seventh-highest team free-throw shooting percentage in the league, which is essential for securing crucial points and winning games.

Despite their impressive offensive play, the Kings have struggled on the defensive end of the court. They have allowed an average of 117.1 points per game, with their opponents shooting 49.2% from the floor. These stats place the Kings at the 23rd most points surrendered per game and the 28th-lowest shooting percentage allowed. Additionally, according to dunksandthrees.com, the Kings have the 25th-lowest adjusted defensive rating in the NBA. One of their biggest challenges has been their inability to consistently contest shots, both near the rim and on the perimeter. Opponents have been shooting 36.8% from behind the arc, which is the 23rd-lowest three-point shooting percentage allowed.

On the rebounding front, the Kings have been averaging 41.8 rebounds per game, which is the 23rd most in the league. However, the Kings have some talented players in this area, such as Richaun Holmes and Marvin Bagley III, who have been able to make up for some of the team's rebounding deficiencies.

In conclusion, while the Kings have shown their offensive prowess this season, they will need to focus on improving their defense and rebounding if they hope to compete with the best teams in the league. With talented players such as De'Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley III, the Kings have the potential to make significant strides in these areas and become a force to be reckoned with.

In their last 10 games, the Kings are 5-5, averaging 116.7 points, 39.5 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 7.7 steals and 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.1 points.

BETTING TRENDS

Sacramento are 12-6 SU in their last 18 games.

Sacramento are 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games against Phoenix.

Sacramento are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games against Phoenix.

The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Sacramento's last 20 games on the road.

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix.

Phoenix are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games.

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games.

Phoenix are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.

Prediction

The Phoenix Suns are poised to be a top contender in the NBA once Kevin Durant is available to play, and it looks like that could happen after the All-Star Break. In the meantime, the Suns have been playing well, winning four of their last five games, and with the return of Devin Booker, they are a dangerous team to face. Their upcoming game against the Sacramento Kings will be a tough matchup, as the Kings are currently ranking #1 in offense in the league, scoring an average of 119 points per game. However, their defense has been an issue, allowing the same amount of points.

The Suns have already beaten the Kings once this season, and it's likely they'll do it again. With the talent on their roster and the momentum they've built up recently, the Suns will be a tough team to beat. The Kings will need to step up their defensive game if they hope to keep up with the Suns' offense. However, it remains to be seen if they can do so, given their struggles on that end of the court. Ultimately, it's likely the Suns will come out on top in this matchup. Take the Suns.

PICK: Suns -3 (-110)

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