NBA Picks and Betting Tips: Utah Jazz vs Sacramento Kings Prediction, 17th November

NLB Staff

16.11.2024 13:01

Jazz vs Kings Prediction

As the Utah Jazz have continued showing some positive signs in their current rebuilding process their tank for a top pick continues to put this squad together, while Sacramento continues to get better as a whole unit with their offseason additions. With the Jazz coming off a shocking 115-113 victory to Dallas, they play a squad in Sacramento that dominated a top team like the Suns two games ago. This matchup will occur on November 17th at 8:30 A.M. IST in Golden 1 Center of Sacramento. Underneath are our key betting tips, player props, vital injuries, and head-to-head trends heading into this game.

Jazz vs Kings Key Betting Tips & Predictions

1. Utah Jazz vs Sacramento Kings Moneyline Pick

As the money line pick for the Kings is at -393, it should be taken as they are the clear favorites in this game. Have a great backcourt with De’Aaron Fox and Kevin Huerter, they should outscore the likes of Collin Sexton and Keyonte George. While Domantas Sabonis won’t play a great level of defense against John Collins, he still will manage to score more and provide more influence on his Kings offense. Having Keegan Murray and Demar Derozan at the guard positions over Lauri Markannen plus Cody Williams helps make the -393 money line look even stronger to get their 6th in a row vs the Jazz.

2. Utah Jazz vs Sacramento Kings Point Spread Pick

The -8.5 spread for the Kings should be taken during this matchup because their ability to score and show off offensive talent will help them dominate this Jazz team. Led by one of the best guards in the league named De’Aaron Fox, he should be able to handle Keyonte George’s game with ease. As Fox has put together some great defensive performances as well against guards like George, his offensive game will be important because he can get to the hoop at his own will and help Kevin Huerter get his shots over Collin Sexton. As Sexton could be out-ruled in this game by Huerter due to playing against a stronger defender, his single-minded offensive mentality could put this Jazz squad at risk. With Demar DeRozan having an easy matchup against Cody Williams, he should continue scoring well and being an unstoppable force inside or outside. Knowing that Sabonis and Keegan Murray created a dynamic duo inside, they should have a strong performance against John Collins's offensive production. Looking at this, the Kings -8.5 spread should be taken with ease.

3. Utah Jazz vs Sacramento Kings Over/Under Pick (Total Points)

As the over/under in this game is 234.5 points, it makes sense for both teams to combine for that much due to having offensive pieces that can score at their own will. Although Sacramento should carry this line with an elite point guard and one of the best centers who can also facilitate an offense, their ability to have a great three-point shooting wing and all-around wing could really charge this score way over the line. Meanwhile, Utah has a great power forward and a solid shooting guard leading the way, while their center can put in points consistently. With these two teams having combined for 209 points with most players injured last time out, it should be a lot different in this game.

Utah Jazz vs Sacramento Kings Top Player Props

John Collins over 16.5 points at 1.71: As John Collins has shown to be a consistent offensive player on this roster, his matchup advantage against Domantas Sabonis will be key. Although Sabonis is a fantastic offensive player, there have been several times he has been caught on defense and John Collins should be able to use his inside scoring to win this matchup. Given that Collins averages 18.1 points a night he should be around that range.

De’Aaron Fox over 26.5 points at 1.91: Seeing that Fox remains one of the fastest guards in NBA play, he should control Keyonte George in this game. As George has struggled on defense, Fox’s ability to drive in will be a big key to victory. Noticing that the Kings' point guard is averaging 24.6 points a night, he should go over that this game.

Utah Jazz vs Sacramento Kings Injury News & Impact

Utah Jazz Injuries: Although Lauri Markannen will return to this game after taking a shot to the nose against Dallas, this squad will likely be without Walker Kessler once again after suffering a hip injury. John Collins, with 18.1 points and 7.8 rebounds, has been a very good replacement, but the one constant issue is that the defense has gotten a little weaker underneath allowing opposing bigs to score with a little more ease.

Sacramento Kings Injuries: Having Demar DeRozan potentially returning after a tiny back issue, that injury might just require a one-game replacement like Trey Lyles, 4.8 points, or Colby Jones to step up. But knowing it isn’t as big of an issue as it was first thought of, the Kings' original starting forward should still most likely play even if it’s for limited minutes. Having Malik Monk, 12.6 points, out due to a right ankle sprain is a big deal for this team’s three-point shooting depth. Having him out for a little while will require them to rely on either Colby Jones or Kevin Huerter to play extended minutes.

Jazz vs Kings Head-to-Head Trends

As the Sacramento Kings have completely dominated this matchup by winning 5 straight against Utah, this should continue with them looking like a much stronger force. Although both teams have kept these games high-scoring with over 100 points each in all but one of their 12 previous matchups, this matchup should anticipate a lot of points. Although that’s true, the Kings have a massive edge in that department after putting in 121.2 points a night over their last 5 games and being 5-0 against the spread.

Betting Insights & Public Trends

Looking at the current public trends, Sacramento is backed by 79.7% of the bettors to win this matchup.

Jazz vs Kings Final Prediction

As the Sacramento Kings look like the much more complete roster during this matchup, they should continue having a massive advantage on both ends of the floor. Led by one of the fastest guards in De’Aaron Fox, his ability to use speed to get into the lanes and create his shots will be a big advantage over Keyonte George. As George is more of a playmaker, he will have a tough time being able to handle scoring against Fox’s defense as well and let up a lot of wide-open shots. With Kevin Huerter next to Fox, his defense should have a lasting impact on how Collin Sexton ends up performing. As Sexton is a single-minded player who thinks of attacking first before passing and has very weak defense, Huerter’s three itself might be enough to outplay the Jazz shooting guard in this game. A huge mismatch will occur when the young and inexperienced Cody Williams has to go up on a very talented Demar Derozan. Seeing that Derozan has been an elite scorer, he continues to bring a great shooting performance every night and can space the floor. With the Jazz small forward across from it, many would be able to tell that he should have a great game driving into the lane and creating pick-and-roll plays. In addition, as Derozan is a terrific defender, he has shown great capability of creating steals plus passing ahead for easy scores with Fox. Knowing that Keegan Murray has a matchup against Lauri Markannen, this is the one Utah will win because of their forwards ability to score points in a rapid pace. At his height, Keegan Murray won’t be able to create shot contests but should help do his part by knocking down clutch shots on the other end. Seeing that Utah will have a great offensive player in John Collins, he will have a very tough time defending Sabonis’s all-around offensive game. All in all, the only way Utah can win this game is if Collin Sexton picks up his all-around game and the Jazz shut down De’Aaron Fox.

Our prediction: The Sacramento Kings win and cover their -8.5 spread, while the score goes over 234.5 points.