NBA: Sacramento Kings vs. Miami Heat Preview, Odds, Predictions

The Sacramento Kings meet the Miami Heat this Wednesday night at American Airlines Arena. Both teams have a negative record at the moment, yet while that was expected for the hosts, just a few believe that the Heat is going to be under .500 at this time of the year. Things are tough for Erik Spoelstra and his crew, who had their previous game last night, against another Pacific Division rival, the NBA champs, Golden State Warriors. The Kings hope their rivals’ fatigue might be an advantage, but nothing is certain. By the way, the Kings beat the Heat a few days ago in California.

Preview

Sacramento Kings (2-4, +230) have back-to-back victories here, one at home against the Heat, 119-113, and the other on the road in Charlotte, where they overcame the Hornets, 115-108. This is a great boost for the unit from California, which opened the year with atrocious defense, allowing 120+ points on a couple of occasions.

The Kings opened the game in North Carolina slow, and were down at halftime 15 points, yet a fantastic third period in which they scored 37 buckets and allowed only 18 was decisive for this one. What we have to point out is the focus of the Kings’ players in the crucial moments, with them missing only four of 28 free throws.

Kevin Huerter had 26 points, and Davion Mitchell 23, with these two guys combining for 10 threes in this one. Domantas Sabonis scored nine buckets but had 16 boards and seven assists.

The Miami Heat (3-5, -280) was better than the NBA champions, the Warriors, 116-109. It was a back-and-forth game in which both teams had periods of their domination, but the Heat emerged on the winning side because of an impressive final period.

They outscored the champs 30-15 during those 12 minutes and eventually handed their head coach, Erik Spoelstra, the best possible gift for his birthday. Once again, the Heat defense took over when needed the most, stopping arguably the most potent attack in the league.

Max Struss came off the bench to have 24 points, and Duncan Robinson also showed up, scoring 17 off the bench as well. It is very important for the Heat to have Robinson back in his best shape, due to his ability to stretch the rivals’ defenses, and also play excellent defense himself. These two guys combined nine threes. Jimmy Butler had 23 points, eight assists, and six boards, while Bam Adebayo had 19 buckets, seven rebounds, and six assists.

Head to Head Games

A few days ago, the Kings were better than the Heat at the Golden One Center in California, 119-113. Huerter was unstoppable from deep, having hit seven of his eight threes, for 27 points, while Kegan Murray had 22. Sabonis scored 18 and Fox 17. On the other side, Tyler Herro had 34, and Bam Adebayo 23 buckets. All the other Heat players weren’t in the mood to play.

Prediction

Even though they played last night, the Heat are the favorites because they usually respond well on back-to-back nights, due to their solid rotation. The spread on the hosts is 8 points, so we will be courageous here, and pick Miami to cover that margin and confidently avenge the recent defeat at the Golden One Center.

Pick: Miami Heat -8