The main statistical trend in this California derby is high scoring. In the previous five meetings, the winning team scored at least 124 points. Those games averaged 238.4 points. In their most recent regular-season meeting, the Lakers won 128:104.
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings head into pre-season with a full squad available: Keegan Murray has fully recovered from his ankle injury and is ready to take the court. Head coach Doug Christie plans to limit the minutes of key players Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan, so the reserves, led by Malik Monk and Zach LaVine, will play most of the game.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to develop their on-court chemistry under JJ Redick. The club have substantially revamped their roster depth by adding Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler. The coaching staff will make extensive use of a deep rotation in exhibition games, so reserves Dalton Knecht and Bronny James will take the court in the second half.
Sacramento Kings vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction
In pre-season games, teams traditionally pay less attention to defensive coordination, while the fast pace of play helps keep scoring high throughout all four quarters. Their previous five meetings have led us to choose an over 226.5 points bet.
