Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NBA match.
The Sacramento Kings are in the thick of the playoff race and have been delivering solid results in recent outings. They have won three of their last four road games and look much improved at home following the coaching change. The San Antonio Spurs, meanwhile, are struggling without Victor Wembanyama—without the French sensation, the Spurs simply cannot sustain a high level of defensive resistance.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings have won four of their last five, including strong victories over the Houston Rockets (113:103) and the Dallas Stars (122:98). Even against the Denver Nuggets, they led for large portions of the game despite missing key centre Domantas Sabonis, only to fall short in the final quarter. Their home form is even more impressive—nine wins in their last 11 games. DeMar DeRozan has been a key figure, scoring 20+ points in seven of his last nine outings, including a 35-point explosion against the Nuggets.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have lost five of their last eight games without Wembanyama. Their defence was utterly exposed against the Oklahoma City Thunder (132:146), and their rebounding numbers have taken a hit in his absence—averaging just 41.1 rebounds per game without him, compared to 44.5 over the season. Devin Vassell has attempted to step up in Wembanyama’s absence, scoring 37 points against the Brooklyn Nets, but has only surpassed 20 points once in his last nine games.
Sacramento Kings vs San Antonio Spurs Prediction
The Sacramento Kings have been dominant at home, and with DeRozan in excellent form, they should have no trouble against the Spurs. The Kings won the last meeting (140:113) when Wembanyama was playing—without him, the Spurs’ chances look even slimmer.
