The Washington Wizards are facing significant challenges this season, and their recent trade for Trae Young has not yet yielded the desired outcomes on the court. The team’s struggles have heightened their lottery odds, especially after parting ways with CJ McCollum, whose scoring and leadership were crucial. Since this trade, the Wizards have struggled against the spread, logging a 0-4 record over their last four games and averaging a disappointing 8.25 points below expectations.
As the Wizards gear up to take on the Sacramento Kings, predictions suggest that the Kings hold a clear advantage. Recent performances show the Kings exceeding expectations, boasting a 3-0 record against the spread in their last three games, where they’ve showcased an impressive ability to surpass bookmakers’ forecasts by an average of 23.8 points.
In analyzing the matchup, the Wizards’ young roster has struggled to find consistency, particularly with the likes of Malaki Branham taking on an increasing role in the absence of McCollum. The Kings’ currently returning star player, Domantas Sabonis, poses a potential hurdle as his presence may complicate the scoring strategy for Sacramento, but it appears to be an advantageous scenario for the Kings.
Betting enthusiasts may consider backing the Kings at -7 against the spread given their current form. Key player performances to keep an eye on include DeMar DeRozan, who has averaged 17.4 points in games alongside Sabonis, though it’s noted that his scoring has dipped in those matchups. The expectation for a lower-scoring game is indicated by the trends, with both teams hitting the ‘Under’ in recent matchups.
The game is set to take place at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on January 16, 2026, where fans will be eager to see if the Kings can maintain their upward trajectory while the Wizards look to turn their fortunes around.