The Toronto Raptors travel to California's capital to face the Sacramento Kings tonight. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Raptors-Kings prediction and pick.
The Raptors hold a dismal overall record of 1-6, and are also 1-6 against the spread. They are coming off a loss to the Suns in Phoenix.
The Kings stand at 4-4 in both their overall and against the spread records. The Kings pulled off a victory over the Bulls in their last matchup.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Raptors-Kings odds.
NBA Odds: Raptors-Kings Odds
Toronto Raptors -5 (-110)
Sacramento Kings +5 (-110)
Over 225.5 Points (-110)
Under 225.5 Points (-110)
Why The Kings Could Cover The Spread
The Kings started off the season with three impressive wins.
Over the span of their first four games, Sacramento defeated the Suns (something only the Clippers have managed to do since) and beat the Nuggets twice.
De'Aaron Fox is leading the Kings' offense, topping the team in both points (18.4 PPG) and assists (5.6 APG).
But Sacramento is no one-man show. The team has six players averaging double-digit scoring, including rookie Tyrese Haliburton, who is an early candidate for steal of the draft.
Against a Raptors team that has struggled to score the ball all season, this many scorers could take Toronto out of the game early.
The Kings probably need two of their guys to have efficient nights to put them over the top against a Raptors team that has scored the fourth-fewest points in the league so far.
If Sacramento can pounce on Toronto early, the Raps have not shown the firepower to get themselves back in the game.
Why The Raptors Could Cover The Spread
While the Raptors have had a dismal start to the season, there are a few bright spots to look forward to in this matchup.
For one, Toronto star Pascal Siakam looks like he turned the page on a brutal start to the season last game against the Suns.
Shockingly, Siakam had not scored over 22 points or shot 50 percent from the field in the Raptors first six games. Against Phoenix, he broke both marks, scoring 32 points and shooting 11-of-21 from the field.
With Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka both gone, Toronto badly needs Siakam to return to All-Star form. The team has some scoring punch in Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry, but it is not realistic to expect them to carry the team offensively by themselves.
The good news for the Raptors is that this Kings defense isn't exactly lock-down. They've given up the sixth-most points in the league and allowed the second-most field goals made.
If the Toronto offense is going to break out against anyone, it'll be Sacramento.
Final Raptors-Kings Prediction & Pick
The Raptors are desperate for a win. I can't see Nick Nurse and company falling to 1-7, especially against a Kings squad that hasn't impressed much. Expect Siakam to build off his last performance, and the Raptors to muster up enough offense to get the job done in Sacramento. Toronto to get the win and cover for just the second time this season.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: TOR 119, SAC 111
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