The Los Angeles Lakers (1-1) and Sacramento Kings (1-1) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 9:00 p.m. EDT from Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. The game will broadcast live on SportsNet LA.
The Lakers are -2.5 favorites over the Kings on the spread (Lakers -2.5), with the over/under set at 229.5 total points. Los Angeles is a -140 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Sacramento is +120 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Lakers vs. Kings predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, October 26.
My Lakers vs Kings Prediction
- Lakers vs Kings pick: Lakers ML -135
My Lakers vs Kings best bet is on the Lakers moneyline, with the best price currently available at bet365. But as always, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Lakers vs Kings Odds
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 229.5 -110o / -110u | -140 |
| Kings Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 229.5 -110o / -110u | +120 |
Lakers vs Kings NBA Preview
Editor's Note: ESPN's Shams Charania reported earlier today that Luka Doncic was ruled out for a week with a finger sprain and a lower leg contusion. So he will not be active in tonight's matchup.
With LeBron James currently sidelined with a back injury, it's Luka Doncic's time to fill the protagonist role for the 21-time NBA All-Star. Through two games, Doncic is averaging 46 points while shooting 62% from the floor for the Lakers.
In his most recent outing against the Timberwolves, Doncic racked up 32 points in the first half alone.
When it's all said and done, Minnesota will likely end the campaign as one of the better defensive teams after finishing in the top 10 in efficiency for each of the past three seasons. Thus, with James sidelined, you can imagine the Timberwolves' keys to the game centered on stopping Doncic and even sending double teams his way —albeit unsuccessfully.
As for the Kings, they're unlikely to pose a similar defensive threat to that of the Timberwolves. Sacramento ranked 22nd in efficiency last season, and its roster remains somewhat underwhelming following some questionable offseason moves.
The Kings become the 10th team Dennis Schroder will suit up for after signing the free agent to a three-year deal valued at $45 million. They also traded away Jonas Valanciunas to the Nuggets for Dario Saric. It's worth noting that Valanciunas is the more accomplished of the two players, starting 90.4% of his games (938) compared to Saric, who started 46.4% of the time (495 games).
While Saric (31) is slightly younger compared to Valanciunas (33), the move is hardly viewed as an upgrade to Sacramento's front court.
Sacramento's other notable addition includes Russell Westbrook, but at this stage of his career, there are clearly signs of diminishing returns for the nine-time All-Star. Westbrook is averaging just 18 minutes through the two games, and I'm not sure he's the type of player who can still be effective playing in shorter spurts.
Finding the right balance for Westbrook is now the job of Kings head coach Doug Christie, who saw his interim tag removed after going 27-24 in the regular season following the Mike Brown firing.
However, handing Christie his first head coaching job rather than opting for a more experienced candidate might point to the current ambition of this Kings franchise.
Lakers vs Kings Prediction, Betting Analysis
One notable absence for the Kings is forward Keegan Murray. The Iowa product is sidelined with a thumb injury that will keep him out until late November.
Sacramento has looked sluggish in its first two games this season, losing 120-116 on the road in Phoenix before narrowly defeating Utah 105-104 at home.
Judging by the preseason win totals for the Suns (31.5) and Jazz (18.5), both fall well behind the Lakers (47.5) from a power rating standpoint.
Sacramento is also more likely to endure some growing pains as it tries to integrate a new point guard, with Schroder now running the offense.
By strength of schedule, the Lakers have faced the tougher slate, given their opening-night loss to the Warriors, followed by their victory over the Timberwolves.
Lastly, with Los Angeles winning the last four meetings against Sacramento, this current Lakers roster should have enough talent to extend that head-to-head streak to five victories on Sunday night.
Pick: Lakers ML (-135, bet365)
Kings vs Lakers Betting Trends
