Nuggets vs Kings Prediction, Pick Tonight | Saturday, Dec. 2

Nuggets vs Kings Prediction, Pick Tonight | Saturday, Dec. 2 article feature image
Credit:

De’Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings celebrates with Harrison Barnes #40 after making a three-point basket in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Nuggets vs. Kings Prediction, Picks for Saturday, Dec. 2

Nuggets Logo
Saturday, Dec. 2
10 p.m. ET
NBA TV
Kings Logo
Over 233
DraftKings  Logo

Here's everything you need to know about Nuggets vs. Kings on Saturday, Dec. 2 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today.

The Nuggets will fly from Phoenix to Sacramento overnight to take on a rested Kings team on Saturday night. Will the Kings capitalize on their rest edge or will the Nuggets' talent persevere? Let’s break this one down.


Nuggets vs. Kings Prediction

Pick: Over 233

Header First Logo

Nuggets Betting Outlook

The Nuggets are coming off a competitive back to back against Phoenix while the Kings will have a two-day rest advantage as they haven’t played since Wednesday. I’d expect Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon to return here for the Nuggets as they were both close to playing against the Suns last night.

If the Nuggets are at full strength, look for them to light up this Kings defense as the Kings do not have many good interior defenders to match up with Jokic. The Kings rank 26th in half court defensive rating while the Nuggets rank fourth in half court offense. The Nuggets' offense has been impressive despite missing Jamal Murray for more than half of the season. They currently rank second in adjusted offensive rating despite playing the fourth-most difficult schedule of opposing defenses.

Phone With the Action App Open
The must-have app for NBA bettors
The best NBA betting scoreboard
Free picks from proven pros
Live win probabilities for your bets

Header First Logo

Kings Betting Outlook

On the flip side of the ball, the Kings rank 10th in adjusted offensive rating despite playing the second-most difficult schedule of opposing defenses. The Kings' season-long data is also skewed because they missed their best player De’Aaron Fox for a few games. With Fox on the floor the Kings' offensive rating jumps from 110.7 to 118.5. Fox’s ability to play with pace and get into the paint is what makes this team go and he should be able to give the Nuggets issues tonight. Nikola Jokic has improved as a defender throughout his career but I expect the athleticism of Fox to give him issues tonight. With the Nuggets on a back to back, I could see the Kings generating a few extra transition opportunities here. I expect the Nuggets to struggle with the pace of the Kings.


Nuggets vs. Kings Picks, Odds

Nuggets Logo
Saturday, Dec. 2
10 p.m. ET
NBA TV
Kings Logo
Nuggets Odds
SpreadOver/UnderMoneyline
+4
-110
234
-110 / -110
+140
Kings Odds
SpreadOver/UnderMoneyline
-4
-110
234
-110 / -110
-167
Odds via DraftKings . Get up-to-the-minute NBA odds here.
DraftKings  Logo

Sacramento ranks third in offensive three point attempt rate so I expect lots of threes launched here. This leads me towards an over bet at this current number of 231, as regardless of whether these shots are made, we should see the Nuggets able to defensive rebound and get out into transition off of these long rebounds. I’m confident that Nikola Jokic will have a consistent edge on the low-post against Sabonis and that should force the Kings to send help and force them into rotations.

The Kings should be flying around the court with two-days rest and that should increase the overall pace of play here. I also like the fact that the Kings have begun to play Malik Monk and Sasha Vezenkov off of the bench more as of late. Both of these guys can light it up from distance but are absolute cones on defense. Take the over and play this up to 234.

Pick: Over 233

About the Author
Chris Baker is a contributor at Action Network, focusing on both NFL and NBA. He has been betting since 2020 and is also an avid basketball player and coach.

Follow Chris Baker @chrisbakernba on Twitter/X.

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Action Network makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.