The Sacramento Kings (0-1) and Los Angeles Lakers (2-0) meet Saturday. Tip-off from Crypto.com Arena is set for 10:30 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Kings vs. Lakers odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Sacramento swept 4-0 last season
The Kings lost 117-115 as 1-point underdogs to the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves in their opener Thursday as the Over (222) hit. F DeMar DeRozan scored a team-high 26 points in his Kings debut on an inefficient 7-of-18 from the field.
The Lakers won 123-116 as 1.5-point home favorites over the Phoenix Suns Friday as the Over (228) cashed. C Anthony Davis had a Game-high 35 points for the Lakers, who are off to a 2-0 start to the season for the first time since 2010-11.
Kings at Lakers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 2:25 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Kings -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Lakers -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Kings -1.5 (+100) | Lakers +1.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 229.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Kings at Lakers key injuries
Kings
- G Devin Carter (shoulder) out
Lakers
- F Cam Reddish (personal) questionable
- F Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) out
- C Christian Wood (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Kings at Lakers picks and predictions
Prediction
Kings 120, Lakers 115
Moneyline
The KINGS (-115) were available as 3.5-point underdogs Friday night, but unfortunately, we can’t place bets in a time machine, so we’ll have to deal with this line.
There are multiple explanations for why money may have come in on Sacramento.
The Kings received a lot of late support from the market before their season opener, getting steamed from 2-point underdogs up to 1-point favorites at certain books. They were somewhat unlucky to lose against Minnesota. They led by 12 in the 3rd quarter, and had a 2-for-1 opportunity in the final 30 seconds of a tie Game.
Sacramento won all 4 meetings vs. L.A. last season, and Kings C Domantas Sabonis is 10-0 all-time in Games vs. Davis. However, that stat may be the equivalent to walking by a roulette wheel and seeing red hit 10 times in a row, so I wouldn’t put too much stock in it.
As for the Lakers, they may be fat and happy after finally getting off to a good start to the season, and who knows who will conveniently pop up on L.A.’s injury report on the 2nd night of a back-to-back. Betting the Lakers to win Saturday after they overcame a 22-point deficit the night before doesn’t feel like the right side.
BET KINGS (-115).
Against the spread
We’re already chasing steam on the Kings (-115). There’s no need to start laying points when they were 3.5-point underdogs Friday night.
PASS. Bet the ML and/or total instead.
Over/Under
The Over hit in the last game for both teams, with L.A. giving up 61 points in the 1st half to Phoenix Friday. Tired legs may be a factor for the Lakers, but I can’t confidently bet this until they submit their injury report.
LEAN OVER 229.5 (-115).
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