NBA Betting Picks: Sacramento Kings vs Toronto Raptors preview, prediction and picks

In Monday night’s rematch, the Sacramento Kings (11-16) are playing the Toronto Raptors (12-14) at Scotiabank Arena. Will Tyrese Haliburton and the Kings even the season series versus the Raptors?  

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Sacramento Kings vs. Toronto Raptors news

Heading into tonight’s interconference thriller, the Kings are 12-15 against the spread in the 2021-22 NBA season, while the Raptors are 11-15 against the spread. This game will air live at 7 p.m. ET through NBA League Pass, TSN and NBC Sports California. Per Land of Basketball’s database, based on 50 head-to-head regular season games played all-time, Sacramento is 27-23 versus Toronto. Though, in the previous three head-to-head meetings, the Raptors are 2-1 against them. On Nov. 19, Toronto won 108-89.

Following the Kings’ road loss to the Cavaliers on Saturday, some NBA analysts were questioning head coach Alvin Gentry’s decision to start Marvin Bagley III against Cleveland. In a total of 12 games played this season, Bagley III is averaging 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and nearly 1.0 assist per game. Putting aside the frustration, Coach Gentry ended the post-game press conference stating, “We’re not quitters. I can tell you that right now. We’re going to keep battling our ass off and we’ll find a way to get through this. I can promise you that.”

Alvin Gentry ends his postgame news conference with this: “We’re not quitters. I can tell you that right now. We’re going to keep battling our ass off and we’ll find a way to get through this. I can promise you that.”

— Jason Anderson (@JandersonSacBee) December 12, 2021

Sacramento Kings vs. Toronto Raptors betting lines and odds

Sportsbook: BetUS

Over/Under: 222

Point spread: Raptors -4.5 (-110)

Best moneyline: Kings +260, Raptors -156

Sacramento Kings vs. Toronto Raptors injury report

Kings: C Richaun Holmes (out indefinitely)

Raptors: PG Goran Dragic (out indefinitely) | SF OG Anunoby (questionable) | C Khem Birch (out indefinitely) | C Precious Achiuwa (out)

Precious Achiuwa has entered the health and safety protocol. He hasn't tested positive but came in contact with somebody who did, so he's isolating as a precaution.

Raptors players and coaches continue to test negative.

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) December 12, 2021

Sacramento Kings vs. Toronto Raptors preview

Moreover, in the Kings’ 117-103 road loss versus the Cavaliers on Saturday, Buddy Hield led his team in scoring, finishing his effort with 21 points in 28 minutes spent on the court. Davion Mitchell ended his performance with 14 points, 1.0 rebound and 5.0 assists in 25 minutes played. The Kings outscored the Cavs 25 to 16 late in the second half, but they also surrendered 45 points in the second quarter alone.

In addition to Sacramento outscoring Cleveland 64 to 52 in the free throw lane, the team shot 41-for-93 (44.1%) from the field and 7-for-28 (25%) from behind the arc. The Kings have to improve defensively. Last Wednesday, the team allowed the Magic to score 130 points as well. Now, Sacramento is 6-8 away, 5-8 at home and 7-7 ATS on the road this season. Plus, they are on a two-game losing streak.

Referencing ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Raptors have a 52.3% probability of winning. 

Meanwhile, on Friday, in the Raptors’ 90-87 home win over the Knicks, guard Gary Trent Jr. scored a team-high 24 points in 39 minutes of action. Guard Fred VanVleet earned another career double-double, too, closing out his night with 17 points, 6.0 rebounds and 11 assists in 38 minutes played. Despite Toronto losing the rebound battle, they still sank a total of 12 three-pointers.

However, the Raptors were outscored 36 to 26 in the paint. They have to find new ways to enhance their short-range shooting in the key. In their nail-biting victory, the team shot 30-for-87 (34.5%) from the floor and 12-for-35 (34.3%) from three-point range. They have won three out of their last four games, and the Raptors are now 5-9 at home, 7-5 away and 4-10 ATS at home.

Projected starting lineup

Kings: PG De’Aaron Fox | SG Tyrese Haliburton | SF Harrison Barnes | PF Marvin Bagley III | C Alex Len

Raptors: PG Fred VanVleet | SG Gary Trent Jr. | SF Pascal Siakim | PF Scottie Barnes | C Chris Boucher

Sacramento Kings vs. Toronto Raptors prediction

Furthermore, the total for tonight’s interconference contest is set at 222. According to the spread consensus, about 59% of gamblers are predicting the Raptors will cover the spread at Scotiabank Arena. Regarding the point total consensus, 61% of bettors are expecting the total will go under 222. At the present time, Sacramento is 5-6 as a favorite, 6-10 as an underdog and 7-7 ATS away, while Toronto is 5-5 as a favorite, 7-9 as an underdog and 4-10 ATS at home.

For noteworthy betting trends, the Kings are 6-12 ATS in their previous 18 performances. Not to mention, the total has also gone over in six of their last nine games. To add to that, the team is 6-12 straight up in their past 18 contests. Next, the Kings are 1-8 SU in their previous nine matches versus the Raptors, and the total has gone over in five of their past seven games played in December. Finally, the team is 1-7 ATS in their last eight matches against Atlantic Division opponents.

As for the Raptors, they are 12-5 SU in their past 17 performances. Also, the total has gone over in four of the team’s previous five contests. Nevertheless, the total has gone under in five of their last six games. Next, Toronto is 2-5 ATS in the team’s past seven games played on a Monday, and they are 4-1 ATS in their previous five contests played in December. Considering everything mentioned above, think about picking the Raptors to win, but the Kings will cover the spread. If you are interested in reading more about handicap betting, check out our guide here at Basketball Insiders.

Sacramento Kings vs. Toronto Raptors betting pick

Pick the Raptors to win, the Kings will cover the spread and the total will go under 222. Toronto is a 4.5-point favorite at home with BetUS.

All betting lines were retrieved from BetUS. Click below to claim a free bet, if you’re a new customer.  

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