What the heck is going on with the Kings? They have lost 7 straight games and are now 12-18. The road doesn't get any easier as they face one of the best teams in the NBA, the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. The Nets have won the last 5 meetings with the Kings including a 136-125 win on February 15. The Nets are favored but the Kings are a desperate team. Can they cover?
Kings in freefall
The Sacramento Kings got off to a good start this season and were actually over .500 at 12-11. Then the bottom fell out and they lost 7 straight games to fall to 12-18. They haven't had any major injuries, it's just been a bad stretch of games, which happens to young teams. The Kings have a lot of young talent and should be better than this. The question is -- can they turn it around?The Kings are coming off to a 128-115 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. The Kings only shot 44% and were badly out rebounded. One bright spot has been Tyrese Halliburton, who led the Kings with 23 points. DaQuan Jefferies added 18 points while DeAaron Fox and Buddy Hield each added 13 points. Richaun Holmes had a double double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Nets top Clippers
As bad as the Kings are playing, the Nets are playing that good. They are 20-12 and have the second best record in the Eastern Conference, a half game behind the Sixers. They are coming off about a good a stretch of games as you can have. they went 5-0 on a west coast road trip where they beat the Warriors, Kings, Suns, Lakers, and Clippers. Those last 3 teams are 3 of the best teams in the conference. And they have done it without Kevin Durant.James Harden tonight:
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 22, 2021
37 PTS
11 REB
7 AST
52 FG%
🥶🥶🥶 pic.twitter.com/XeflSj931r
The Nets are coming off a thrilling 112-108 win over the Clippers on Sunday. It was their best win of the season because the Clippers were fully loaded and at home, while the Nets played without their best player, Durant. James Harden has played like an MVP candidate. He had 37 points and 11 rebounds while Kyrie Irving had 28 points and 8 assists. Bruce Brown, DeAndre Jordan, and Joe Harris each had 13 points. The Nets only committed 6 turnovers to 16 for the Clippers.
Stats & Trends
- Kings are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
- Kings are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
- Kings are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
- Nets are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
- Nets are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
- Nets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
The Pick
Will there be a let down here for the Nets after a triumphant road trip where they beat both LA teams in their own buildings without Kevin Durant? This feels like a game that Kyrie Irving would take off, because that's what he does. Harden is a gamer, so he'll play. This is a tough spot for the Kings as they are in the middle of a tough five game road trip. This is a game where you'll see a Nets let down, as would be natural after coming home such a great road trip, but they'll still have enough to beat the struggling Kings. Take the Nets here to win and cover.