Kings vs. Nuggets NBA expert prediction and odds for Valentine's Day (Denver Bounces Back in Big Way)
In a race for the top fo the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets have slipped off the pace.
The Nuggets were on the wrong end of back-to-back blowout losses to close out its road trip, including one in Sacramento against the Kings, who the team faces back at home ahead of the All-Star break. While the Nuggets will likely not have Jamal Murray for this one, the Kings are on the second night of a back-to-back, can the team hold up against the defending champions?
Here's our best bet for Wednesday's tilt:
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Kings Injury Report
Nuggets Injury Report
Kings
Domantas Sabonis: Sabonis is a playmaking center in a mold like Nikola Jokic, and he showed it in the team's blowout win at home against the Nuggets last week, scoring 17 points on seven-of-nine shooting while grabbing 17 rebounds and dishing out 10 assists.
Nuggets
Nikola Jokic: Will the front runner for his third MVP respond to the team's two game losing streak? While the team likely won't have Murray or Caldwell-Pope on Wednesday, this is an opportunity for Murray to further his MVP campaign.
The Nuggets are in a great spot to get back on track and score a home victory before heading to the All-Star break.
Denver is +10 in terms of net rating at home this season, which is fourth in the league, and should have far better shooting variance at altitude on Wednesday.
In the first meeting, the Kings shot 58% from the field, hitting seven more three's and turning the Nuggets five more times. These are fickle and variance driven figures that can flip with just home court. Factor in that the Kings just played a tight game at the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night and this can be a terrible spot for the road underdogs.
Even without Murray or Caldwell-Pope, the Nuggets should get back on track and I can envision the Kings letting go of the rope in the second half with an eye on the All-Star break. Lay it with the home favorite.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
