Kings vs Rockets Prediction and Betting Tips 4 Dec 2024 - NBA Prediction
NLB Staff
03.12.2024 00:48
With the Sacramento Kings being one of the biggest underwhelming teams this season, they play a Rockets unit that has turned into a top-tier all-around roster. As this Kings unit lost to Portland last time out, the Rockets beat Philadelphia by 7 points. This game will take place on December 4th at 8:30 A.M. IST in Golden 1 Center of Sacramento. Below are our key betting tips, vital injuries, top player props, and head-to-head matchups to make a great potential scoreline for this game.
Kings vs Rockets Betting Tips & Predictions
1. Sacramento Kings vs Houston Rockets Moneyline Pick
With this money line being at -105 for Houston, it should be taken due to their slight edge of talent. Led by an amazing point guard in Fred VanVleet, he creates a combination with Jalen Green to score way more than both De’Aaron Fox plus Kevin Huerter combined. Having a forward duo of Dillon Brooks and Jabari Smith Jr. gives Houston a two-way advantage against Keegan Murray and Demar Derozan. Knowing there is an amazing center battle in the middle, Sengun is a better defender and passer over Domantas Sabonis to win their -105 money line, making it their 4th in 6 matchups vs Sacramento.
2. Sacramento Kings vs Houston Rockets Point Spread Pick
Knowing that the spread in this game is at -1.5 for Houston, they have an advantage at a variety of positions in this game. Led by Fred VanVleet, his ability to pass and find others in space adds to a great inside scoring ability. Someone who can stretch out from three as well, his ability to score can create a great battle against De’Aaron Fox. As VanVleet is one of the strongest defenders who can force steals plus deflections, his prowess will be on display against Fox to limit Sacramento’s guard's game. Being a piece that creates a lot of points down the other end, he will close the gap with Fox while also being a much stronger passer. With shooting guard Jalen Green next to him, he should dominate a weaker defender in Kevin Huerter. As Huerter has not shown consistency at all on offense this season, Green will play top-tier wing defense to force the Kings' shooting guard into rougher looks. Having Demar Derozan at small forward for Sacramento, Dillon Brooks will slow him down due to having much more strength and creating traps around the Kings' small forward. As Brooks himself is a great scorer, he should provide a lot of vital points off the bench to help this squad have an edge throughout. With Jabari Smith Jr.’s length going to beat Keegan Murray in rebounding plus inside scoring, the centers in this game will go at it. Having Domantas Sabonis for Sacramento is a slight disadvantage against Sengun because of his weaker defense, while Alperen is a stronger passer. All in all, the -1.5 spread looks perfect for Houston.
3. Sacramento Kings vs Houston Rockets Over/Under Pick (Total Points)
As the over/under in this game is at 224.5 points, both teams should have a very solid base to knock down a bunch of shots. With Sacramento led by one of the quickest guards that can finish from anywhere, their small forward could pose a threat even though he has recently struggled a bit. Having a power forward that can knock down threes and dunks, their center continues to be a piece this whole offense revolves around. Meanwhile, Houston has one of the most athletic guards that can finish inside with ease and create for others. Having a shooting guard that can knock down mid-range or deep looks, their small forward can finish inside while being a clutch three-point shooter. Knowing that their power forward is a great layup taker and fadeaway shooter, this group’s center continues to be a key passer and stretch five for this unit. With their last game going for 216 combined points, this matchup should be much higher than that.
Sacramento Kings vs Houston Rockets Top Player Props
Demar Derozan under 22.5 points at 1.91: As the Kings' small forward continues struggling to find consistency in scoring this season, it will be tougher against a much stronger defense. Matching up with Dillon Brooks, he will have a rough time driving in due to a size disadvantage while his shot form won’t be top-tier either. Averaging 22.6 points a game this season, he will be a little under that mark in this game.
Jalen Green over 19.5 points at 1.67: Seeing that this Rockets shooting guard continues being a rising star as an all-around scorer, he should continue doing it. Having a high level of energy, he will dominate Kevin Huerter’s defense through mid-range and three-point shots, while also finding ways to get near the hoop. Someone who puts up 19.6 points a night, should build on his season average even more.
Sacramento Kings vs Houston Rockets Injury News & Impact
Sacramento Kings Injuries: As Trey Lyles, 5.4 points and 3.9 rebounds, is ruled out with a grade 1 calf strain, Sacramento will lose a very key depth piece for this roster.
Houston Rockets Injuries: With the Houston Rockets having no current injuries, they should continue running out having similar rotations that made them so successful.
Kings vs Rockets Head-to-Head Trends
Knowing that Houston has won three straight games against Sacramento, they should continue building on the streak that this Kings unit once used to own. As Houston has scored over 100 points 22 times in a row and averaged 113.7 points in their last three, they should have another highly powerful offensive performance. Knowing that this Rockets squad is 3-2 against the spread vs Sacramento over their previous 5 matchups, they should continue making this record look even stronger.
Betting Insights & Public Trends
Looking at the current public trends, Houston is backed by 51.2% of bettors to beat Sacramento in this matchup.
Kings vs Rockets Final Prediction
As the Houston Rockets enter this game on a very hot streak, they should continue this greatness against a weaker team in Sacramento. Although the Kings have some great pieces that can score, this Houston defense will be able to close out on them. Led by Fred VanVleet at point guard, his ability to pass and score makes him a key combo guard for this unit. Having a matchup against De’Aaron Fox, he will close the gap by beating Fox off the dribble plus creating turnovers on him with quick hands. Knowing that he can create a lot of tough looks for Fox, the Kings guard has one rare matchup that he could lose because the opposing guard is faster. With Jalen Green being the shooting guard, his ability to create from inside or outside has shown an improvement in this star’s game. As Green continues finishing well too, he should dominate Kevin Huerter throughout with his length and shot-making ability. Knowing that Jalen Green is also an amazing defender, he will force a lot of loose balls from Huerter and finish it down the other way.
Having Dillon Brooks at small forward, his ability to use body control and strength will prevent Demar Derozan from getting inside to get good looks. As Derozan has struggled to find consistency in his percentages this year, a matchup such as one against Brooks will be very tough for him to fend off. Seeing that Brooks can create on the other end with threes and inside looks as well, he should outscore Demar during this matchup. Knowing that Jabari Smith Jr. has a length advantage over Keegan Murray to get more rebounds and put in more baskets, the center position will be an interesting one to watch. As Sengun has a positive over Sabonis scoring plus passing, Houston’s bench with Amen Thompson and Tari Eason will play a key role as well. The only way Sacramento keeps it close is if Malik Monk can get his out shooting to go in at an efficient level once again.
Our prediction: Houston Rockets win and cover their -1.5 spread, while the score goes over 224.5 points