The Boston Celtics will look to stop a skid that has seen them lose three out of their last four when they host the Sacramento Kings on Friday. Boston currently sits at 20-20, a far cry of what the expectations were at the start of the season. With time yet to turn things around, the Celtics will look to right some of those wrongs against the Kings as we continue our odds series.
Sacramento will be playing in its fourth straight road game when they head to Boston. In their most recent contest, they edged out the Wizards in D.C. by a final score of 121-119.
Here's how sportsbooks have the matchup.
NBA Odds: Kings-Celtics odds
Sacramento Kings +7 (-115)
Boston Celtics -7 (-105)
Over 232 points (-110)
Under 232 points (-110)
Why the Kings Could Cover the Spread
Despite being eight games under .500, the Kings are 4-4 in their last eight games and have been playing more sound basketball lately. While it's a west coast team all the way over on the east coast taking on Boston, it's not a huge deal because it's the fourth straight east coast game for the Kings. They've been kicking it on that side of the country for a bit now. If it was the first game of an east coast trip, then proceed with more caution.
In their last game, the ball was popping around against the Wizards and every single starter for Sacramento scored at least 16 points in the 121-119 win.
The Kings are 10-9 against the spread this year on the road and straight up, they've been about the same on the road (7-12) as they have at home (9-12).
Boston is also sputtering having lost three of four including their most recent game, a defeat at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sacramento could be catching Boston at the perfect time.
Why the Celtics Could Cover the Spread
It's quite the head-scratcher as to how the Celtics are only 20-20 this season. With two established all-stars leading the way in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and in a weaker Eastern Conference, the Celtics should flat out be better.
While they've struggled of late, they are still fourth-best in the NBA against the spread as the home team, covering 61% of the time this season.
This game would appear to be the perfect opportunity, against a Kings team playing better of late, but still not overwhelming by any means. If Boston wants to be taken as a serious threat in the east, hanging a crooked number on the Kings could get them pedaling in the right direction.
Final Kings-Celtics Prediction and Pick
The Kings are playing better ball of late, but Boston is the more desperate team. And sometimes the best thing for a team that's underachieving is for them to start feeling uncomfortable and play with more of a sense of urgency.
Despite the Kings upping the wins recently, being 4-4 in your last eight is nothing to brag about. The Celtics should bounce back tonight and take out some frustration on a Kings team that really struggles defensively.
Kings-Celtics FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: SAC 104, BOS 116 (BOS -7)
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