The Sacramento Kings will host the Dallas Mavericks in a Western Conference play-in game on Wednesday night. Tipoff is set for 10:00 PM ET at Golden 1 Center. Sacramento finished the regular season 40-42, while Dallas ended just behind at 39-43.
This is a single-elimination game with the winner advancing to face the loser of Memphis vs Golden State. The Kings swept the regular season series against Dallas, winning all three matchups by an average of 14 points. Sacramento is 20-21 at home this season and trying to return to the playoffs after falling short last year.
Kings Preview – Sabonis and LaVine Power Sacramento’s Push
Domantas Sabonis leads the Kings in almost every key category. He’s posting 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists per game while shooting 59% from the floor. He has 15 triple-doubles this season and controls the pace of the game in the half-court.
Sacramento’s trade for Zach LaVine added another scoring threat. LaVine has averaged 22.3 points per game since joining the team and gives the Kings a reliable perimeter option. Alongside DeMar DeRozan, who still draws fouls and creates from the midrange, the Kings have strong late-game scoring options.
Jonas Valanciunas gives the team depth at center and leads all NBA players in career play-in rebounds. Rookie Keon Ellis and forward Keegan Murray add two-way production, and Sacramento’s bench has played better over the last two weeks. They enter this game with momentum, winning four of their final six games.
Mavericks Preview – Thin Roster Needs Big Nights from Veterans
The Mavericks have dealt with roster turnover and injuries all season. After trading Luka Doncic and later losing Kyrie Irving to an ACL tear, the team has relied on a committee approach. They backed into the play-in despite losing four of their last five games.
Anthony Davis, acquired in the Doncic trade, is listed as probable. He’s averaged 21.6 points and 11.4 rebounds in the nine games he has played. If healthy, he can make a major impact on both ends, especially around the basket and in transition.
Klay Thompson has playoff experience but has struggled at times this year. He’s averaging just 14.9 points per game and shooting 37% from three. Dallas also needs Max Christie and Daniel Gafford to play well. Gafford had 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting in the season finale. With P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively banged up, the Mavs will be tested for depth inside.
Betting Prediction
The Kings enter as 4-point favorites and have controlled the season series. Sacramento is healthy and has three dependable scorers in Sabonis, LaVine, and DeRozan. They’ve also played better team defense and rebound well with Valanciunas anchoring the second unit.
Dallas comes in with a short bench and multiple injury concerns. The Mavericks will need a strong showing from Davis and better shooting from Thompson to keep this game close. But Sacramento has more continuity and home court. Final score prediction: Kings 117, Mavericks 105.
Pick: Sacramento Kings -4 over the Dallas Mavericks
