Tuesday’s matchup between the Denver Nuggets (21-11) and Sacramento Kings (17-14) may not be the most awaited matchup of the season, yet it may be the most surprising, especially as Kings’ star Domantas Sabonis, averaging 17.9 points per game, 12.5 rebounds, and 6.7 assists is questionable due to a hand injury while Nuggets forward Jeff Green is out with a fractured left hand.
The Nuggets enter the match with winning momentum; they have won four consecutive games and seven of their past eight while the Kings have managed to win three of their past five. This is the first meeting this season between these two teams, who will play each other again on Wednesday night at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
Most recently against Phoenix on Christmas Day, Nikola Jokic had yet another impressive performance recording 41 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists – his 83rd NBA triple-double – which was just the fourth 40-point, 15-rebound, 15-assist game in NBA history.
Can the Kings steal the smile of the Joker? Let’s find out!
NBA Odds/Game Lines: Nuggets vs Kings
FanDuel Online Sportsbook Odds
| Spread | Moneyline | ||
| DEN Nuggets | -3.5 (-110) | -162 | |
| SAC Kings | +3.5 (-110) | +136 | |
| Winning at the End of Every Quarter | DEN +225 | Any other result -140 | SAC +450) |
| Win Margin | |||
| DEN 1-10 (+175) | DEN +11 (+250) | SAC 1-10 (+230) | SAC +11 (+600) |
“Winning at the End of Every Quarter” is a unique type of option at Fanduel mobile sportsbook. It says that the winner needs to win every quarter for the bet to win. If neither of the team qualifies, the “Any other result” bet will be the winning bet.
DraftKings Online Sportsbook Odds
| Spread | Moneyline | |
| DEN Nuggets | -3 (-105) | -145 |
| SAC Kings | +3 (-115) | +125 |
Note that NBA odds are subject to changes based on news updates. More NBA betting markets, including the live betting experience, can be viewed by visiting the respective websites of Colorado online sportsbooks.
Denver Showing Dominance
The Denver Nuggets are showing great prowess on offense this season, leading to a per-game average of 116 points. Notably, the team’s shooting accuracy from the floor and from three-point range is quite impressive, with an effective field goal percentage ranking second in the NBA. Nikola Jokic is driving the team’s offensive prowess with another MVP-caliber season; however, Jamal Murray and Gary Gordon are also playing pivotal roles by averaging 18.1 and 17.5 points per game respectively.
Although their defense has struggled slightly, Denver boasts a respectable assist-to-turnover ratio that ranks among the highest in the league. Needless to say, these stats demonstrate why Denver is on top of the Western Conference this season and is considered one of the top contenders for the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy.
Kings Finally Being Kings
On the other hand, the Sacramento Kings are showing promising numbers and translating them into wins. They are second in the league in points scored per game (118.1), and their efficiency on offense is high with an adjusted offensive rating that ranks fourth and an effective field goal percentage ranked fifth.
Specifically, their shooting within five feet of the basket is especially strong and boasts a second-place ranking among teams this season. This impressive offensive performance is spearheaded by star point guard De’Aaron Fox who leads the team with 23.2 points per game.
Defensively, the Kings have been struggling; they surrender 116.2 points per game on 48.5 percent shooting from their opponents, and their adjusted defensive rating stands at 24th in the league, as well as having one of the lowest opponent’s effective field goal percentages in the league. The one silver lining for them has been their fifth-ranked assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.82, which could serve as a glimmer of hope for the rest of their campaign if it can be replicated or improved upon going forward.