The Sacramento Kings are set to face off against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, as both teams look to improve their standings this season. Currently, the Kings hold a record of 13-47 while the Mavericks sit at 21-36. This matchup is crucial, especially considering that their season series is tied at 1-1.
In their recent outing, the Kings fell to the Houston Rockets with a score of 128-97. This loss marked a disappointing performance as they failed to cover the spread as 14-point road underdogs. Despite their struggles, Sacramento managed to secure a win earlier in the week against the Rockets, marking their first victory since January 16. Overall, the Kings have a 4-6 record against the spread in February and are 22-36-2 ATS for the entire season.
On the flip side, the Mavericks are coming off a win against the Brooklyn Nets, where they triumphed 123-114, successfully covering the spread as 1.5-point road favorites. With two consecutive victories under their belt and three straight covers, the Mavericks have shown signs of improvement, though they have a 3-5 record ATS this month and 26-31 ATS on the season.
Historically, the two teams have met on two occasions this season in Sacramento. Both teams won one game each, with the Kings covering the spread in both matchups. In their first encounter on December 27, the Kings won 113-107, whereas in the contest on January 6, the Mavericks narrowly defeated the Kings 100-98.
As for betting odds, the Kings are listed at +220 on the moneyline, meaning a $100 bet would net $220 if they win, while the Mavericks are at -275. Against the spread, the Kings are +6.5, and the over/under is set at 236.5.
In terms of player injuries, the Kings have several key players sidelined, including Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, impacting their overall performance. The Mavericks are also dealing with injuries, most notably Kyrie Irving, which may affect their rotations.
Experts predict a Mavericks win with a final score of 124-116, but suggest placing a bet on the Mavericks to cover the -6.5 spread as they seem to be in a better position offensively. Additionally, with both teams lacking defensive intensity recently, a bet on the over at 236.5 is also recommended, as both offenses are capable of generating significant scoring.
This matchup presents an exciting opportunity for fans, showcasing young talent and the potential for high-scoring action as both teams look to turn their seasons around.