The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, February 7, with the Cavs entering the game as heavy favorites, listed at -12 points. Although the Cavaliers are expected to win, there is a prevailing sentiment that the Kings will manage to keep the score closer than the spread suggests, especially considering their resilience in recent games.
The Cavaliers are looking to bolster their lineup with trade deadline acquisition James Harden, who is anticipated to make a return before the end of their five-game road trip. However, his participation on Saturday remains uncertain as he is listed as questionable. In addition to Harden, the Cavaliers will also be without key players Evan Mobley and Max Strus due to injuries, while Dean Wade’s status is also doubtful.
The Sacramento Kings, on the other hand, are struggling, having lost their last 11 games and ranking among the league’s worst in defensive statistics, allowing an average of 120.5 points per game. They have a challenging track record on back-to-back nights, standing at just 2-7-0 against the spread in such scenarios. Despite these difficulties, the Kings have shown signs of fight, narrowly missing victory in four of their last five contests.
Historically, the Kings have found success against the Cavaliers in recent meetings, posting a 7-1 record against the spread in their last eight face-offs. Additionally, the Cavaliers have struggled as the better-rested team, with a 2-7 record against the spread when well-rested.
In terms of potential betting advice, a same-game parlay recommendation includes betting on the Kings to cover the spread at +12, while considering Donovan Mitchell to fall under 6.5 assists and DeMar DeRozan to exceed 17.5 points. This approach takes into account the current performance trends of the players involved.
Overall, while the Cavaliers are expected to secure a victory, the Kings’ ability to keep the game within the spread offers a glimmer of hope for their supporters. The matchup promises to be a fascinating encounter, adding intrigue to the NBA weekend.