The New York Knicks (13-13) will look to expand on their three-game winning streak as they go head-to-head with the Sacramento Kings (14-10). Such a victory would not only be the first time they’ve won four games in a row this season, but it would also bring them above .500 for the first time since Nov. 16 when they defeated the Denver Nuggets, 106-103.
The Knicks and Kings haven’t faced each other yet this season. Last year, their season series ended with an impressive New York 131-115 win. The Knicks stormed back from being down 63-48 at halftime by scoring 44 points and 39 points in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. Julius Randle (who happens to be currently on a roll scoring the ball) scored a career-high 46 points in that game. RJ Barrett (29 points) and Immanuel Quickley (27 points) also had masterful performances.
New York’s latest win came on Friday night when they defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 121-102. After a low-scoring first half where both teams were trading baskets, the Knicks went on several runs in the second half that allowed them to be in control of the game. Eventually, they led by as many as 26 points with 7:54 left in the game. Barrett finally had the efficient high-scoring game we have been waiting for him to have by scoring 26 points on 9-of-18 shooting to go along with seven rebounds and four assists. As mentioned, Randle continued to look great as well by putting up 33 points of his own.
In the Kings’ last game, they beat the Cavaliers, 106-95, despite being without the face of the franchise, De’Aaron Fox. All-Star Domantas Sabonis went for 18 points, 18 rebounds, and six assists while Harrison Barnes (20 points), Kevin Huerter (19 points), and rookie Keegan Murray (18 points) also poured it in.
New York Knicks vs Sacramento Kings Odds, Spread, Over/Under
The latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook have New York as the -2 favorite with the team -110 to cover. The Knicks are -134 on the moneyline and the Kings are +114. The over/under is set for 231 points.
Knicks Projected Starting Lineup Tonight
- Jalen Brunson
- Quentin Grimes
- RJ Barrett
- Julius Randle
- Mitchell Robinson
Knicks Injury Report
Obi Toppin (knee) will be out for the second straight game.
New York Knicks vs Sacramento Kings Prediction
The Kings have been one of the consistently better teams in the NBA this season and one of the more surprisingly successful teams. Sacramento sits alone in fifth place in the West. As for the Knicks, they are in a three-way tie for the seventh-best record in the Eastern Conference heading into tonight.
New York’s recently strong defense will face its toughest test yet as Sacramento boasts the second-highest scoring offense in the NBA (118.8 PPG). Even if the Kings are again without Fox, they run a lot of their offense through the post-dominant and passing-savvy Sabonis. Because Sabonis (who also operates in the mid-range and can shoot three-pointers) will likely be guarded by Mitchell Robinson, this means the Knicks’ paint protector will be drawn away from the rim often unless they opt to give Sabonis more room outside of the paint. It will certainly be a tricky task.
Ultimately, I think this will be a fairly high-scoring game and a fun one for those who like seeing buckets. I also think that means it won’t be fun for fans of strong defense. As successful as the Knicks have been lately in running up the score on their opponent, a big part of that has also just been their opponents having off shooting nights. I don’t anticipate the Kings struggling to find a way to put up points, and therefore, the Knicks will be slightly out-dueled by a far more cohesive offensive team.
Sacramento 125, New York 121
What channel is the New York Knicks game on?
New York-Sacramento begins at 6 p.m. ET and can be viewed on MSG Network.
New York Knicks vs Sacramento Kings Live Stream
If you’re looking for a live stream, head over to fuboTV for a free trial.
Knicks Next Game and Upcoming Schedule
This is the final home game for New York before Dec. 20. They will head to the Mideast for a short road trip, then will be back at MSG for a four-game homestand.
Dec. 14 at Chicago
Dec. 16 at Chicago
Dec. 18 at Indiana
Dec. 20 vs Golden State
Dec. 21 vs Toronto
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