An epic Western Conference showdown that is loaded with young talent is scheduled for Friday night as the Sacramento Kings go to battle with the Phoenix Suns. It is time to take a look at our NBA odds series, where our Kings-Suns prediction and pick will be made for all to see.

 

Sacramento enters play in must-win mode after losing their first two of three Summer League games. The Kings are coming off a low-scoring defensive duel versus the Thunder in which they got the short end of the stick in a 86-80 defeat.

As for Phoenix, the Suns carry a 2-1 record ahead of their matchup with the Kings. The Suns also should benefit in this one with an extra day off, as their latest game came against the Mavericks on Tuesday.

Here are the Kings-Suns Summer League odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

NBA Odds: Kings-Suns Odds

Sacramento Kings: -3.5 (-118)

Phoenix Suns: +3.5 (-104)

Over: 174.5 (-110)

Under: 174.5 (-110)

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Why The Kings Could Cover the Spread

Regardless of their 1-2 record overall, the Kings should feel pretty good about themselves when it comes to the playmakers that have been raising eyebrows out on the court. Obviously, the importance to win ballgames in comparison to the regular season isn't as vital in the Summer League. In fact, teams most likely care way more about individual performances and players who stand out from the rest of the crowd when they suit up for action.

With that being said, one name that has stood out the most thus far has been the phenomenal playmaking ability of forward Keegan Murray. Averaging roughly 34 minutes on the floor over the course of the last two contests, the Iowa product has shown why many basketball analysts considered him the most improved player in all of college basketball a year ago. The fourth pick in the 2022 draft, the Kings have a tremendous chance of covering the spread whenever he is checked into the game. Against the Thunder on Wednesday, Murray may have had his best outing in a Kings uniform with a whopping 29 points on 52% shooting. Not to mention, Murray also corralled seven rebounds and came up with four steals to help lead his squad.

Sacramento saw themselves generate only 80 points in the loss to OKC, so a more collective effort to put the ball through the nylon will be important to give them a chance to even up their Summer League record at 2-2.

Why The Suns Could Cover the Spread

After a gut-wrenching and extremely disappointing exit from the postseason in seven games to the Mavericks last season, Phoenix is eager to turn the page and move on from their shortcomings. While it may be an offseason where the Suns need to spend some time looking in the mirror, they have at least showcased some promise during the Summer League circuit over the past couple of weeks.

Through their opening three games, the Suns have seen themselves come out victorious in two of them thanks to great efforts on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Their most recent Summer League win saw the Suns get revenge on Dallas by curb stomping them 105-78. Obviously, a repeat of that would be most welcoming for Phoenix.

In the beatdown, it was forward Louis King and guard McKinley Wright IV that inflicted the most damage upon Dallas. In his 24 minutes played, King recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds but also picked up six fouls in the contest that eventually led to his disqualification. Additionally, Wright IV added 11 points to the stat sheet while dishing out five assists in 21 minutes out on the hardwood. This tandem of playmakers will need to be at their best, especially against the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft in Keegan Murray. Slowing Murray down should be priority number one in the Suns' quest for a spread-covering victory.

Final Kings-Suns Prediction & Pick

This should be a fun one filled with nonstop highlights from some of the league's next generation of ballers. Anything goes in the Sin City, as all it takes is one electric performance from an individual to help his team come out triumphant. In this thrilling matchup, expect the Suns to have no answer for Keegan Murray. Murray has scored at least 20 points in each game he has suited up for and he will present a great challenge for the Suns. By the time the final horn blows, Sacramento will have covered the spread and improve to 2-2 in Summer League play.

Final Kings-Suns Prediction & Pick: Kings -3.5 (-118)