Houston Rockets at Sacramento Kings Dec 3: Breakdown, Prediction, and Prop Bets
Rockets Aim to Dominate Kings with Size and Defense
Houston Rockets Breakdown
We can say one thing: we don’t see why Houston is the underdog in tonight’s matchup. Even though they are on the road and it’s a Cup Game, they’re still the better team. They have dominated most of the season and have only improved as a team. They’re loaded with talent on both ends of the court and are on a three-game winning streak, sitting at second in the Western Conference. The season is still early, but they’re looking increasingly like a team that should be taken seriously.
They match up well against Sacramento. With a thicket of big bodies down low, they’ll make it challenging for Fox, DeRozan, or Sabonis to get effective shots down low. Tari Eason, Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. have all been stout in their defense this year. Amen Thompson looks like a future Defensive Player of the Year candidate. This team cuts its teeth on defense and lets the offense come from anywhere they can find it.
They are one of the best teams in the league at pushing the pace and attacking the offensive glass. They thrive on second-chance points, and even though their shooting percentages have been below average, they’ve still managed to remain at the top of the league for scoring.
Houston will overwhelm the Kings in the paint tonight with their size. Sabonis is about the only capable post-defender on the Kings, but he’ll have his work cut out for him tonight as the fleet of bigs on Houston will likely be crashing the glass on the night.
We think Houston will take this one easily from a struggling Kings team.
Sacramento Kings Breakdown
Sacramento has been on a slide, and some of that has to do with injuries. DeMar DeRozan missed some time, which held this roster back. He’s back in the lineup, however, and things are still looking rough for the Kings.
They have lost six of their last eight games, and it’s been an actual downward slide for a team with high expectations again this year. The problem seems to be defense. They aren’t able to slow anyone down, and with Sabonis as the only real high-level post defender, it’s been rough. They are just in the middle of the road. They’re not an elite defense or offense, leaving them stuck.
However, they have explicitly struggled against teams with young, explosive defenders. Losing to OKC, Portland, Atlanta, and Brooklyn in the last couple of weeks. That doesn’t give us much hope against a Houston team built perfectly to counter the Kings. Unless the Kings can hit from deep and Houston has another off-shooting night, this game might be a reach for the Kings to grab.
We think Houston will suffocate Sacramento’s offense all game and punish them with their size down low. Expect Sengun to have another big night, as he’ll probably get loads of opportunities tonight!
Prediction: Houston Rockets Win
Kings Injuries:
Kevin Huerter Day to Day
Trey Lyles Out
Houston Injuries:
None
Betting Lines (DraftKings)
Spread: HOU +1.5 (-108) / SAC -1.5 (-112)
Total Points: 227.5
Moneyline: HOU (+105) / SAC (-125)
Top Prop Bets
Alperen Sengun 20+ Points (-115)
Keegan Murray 7+ Rebounds (-110)
De’Aaron Fox Under 5.5 Assists (-110)
Tari Eason 2+ Steals (+100)