The Los Angeles Lakers are still the team to beat in the NBA this season, and that is exactly how they want it. The Lakers outlasted the Celtics in a terrific seven-game series in the NBA Finals last year. However, the Miami Heat received all the attention throughout the offseason even though many around the NBA know that the Lakers won’t be easy to dethrone.

This is a veteran team that is getting better every year, and they understand that this is Phil Jackson’s last run as their coach. Expect the Lakers to be as motivated as anyone in the league this season.

Wednesday night’s matchup between the Lakers and the Sacramento Kings is an interesting one. The Kings are a young team, but they have improved by leaps and bounds from where they were just a year or two ago. Arco Arena is a very tough place to play, as the Lakers that were on the 2002 NBA Championship team know very well. The home crowd will do their best to will their team to a win in this one.

The Los Angeles Lakers started the season out slowly in their home opener against the Rockets, but a huge second half comeback propelled them to a win. The Lakers have looked better in the games since their lackluster home opener. Kobe Bryant still doesn’t look completely healthy, but Pau Gasol and the Lakers supporting cast have been playing terrific basketball.

I believe Gasol is still underrated in some circles. He is a terrific finisher around the hoop and his ability to run the floor is amazing for a seven-footer. Lamar Odom has also been on fire to start the year. Odom has a double-double in all but one game this year (he missed one last night by two rebounds). On the whole, the Lakers are fairly healthy right now, but they will still be without Andrew Bynum in this one.

The Sacramento Kings have started the season 3-1, though they haven’t exactly played a difficult schedule thus far. The Kings were able to beat Minnesota and Cleveland on the road, and they staged a huge comeback to beat Toronto in their home opener Monday night.

Tyreke Evans has quickly become the team leader of this young squad. Evans is terrific at getting to the rim, and his teammates get open looks because of the extra attention he receives. DeMarcus Cousins is the biggest addition to this team, and he has had a very solid start to his pro career. The one problem that Cousins has had this year is he tends to get into foul trouble quickly. Omri Casspi, Carl Landry, Darnell Jackson, and Jason Thompson give this team quality depth at the forward position.

The Kings like to get out and run, so they’ll need to try to create transition opportunities as much as possible in this game.

Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings Betting Odds and Line Movement
The Lakers are five-point favorites in this contest and if you like the Kings you can find the number at 5.5 at some books, so be sure to shop around. The total is kind of all over the place and can be found at 211.5 all the way to 212.5.

Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings Betting Trends

The ‘over’ is 8-0 in the Kings last eight games overall

The Lakers are 7-1 ATS in their last eight meetings with the Kings
The ‘over’ is 26-7-1 in the last 34 meetings between these teams

NBA Predictions and Picks: Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings
The Lakers are clearly the better team here, but I do think the Kings will be ready for this game. Expect the Kings to push the tempo in this game. Sacramento’s defense is quite poor, so I expect the Lakers to score with ease. The Kings should get their fair share of points through transition opportunities as well. The ‘over’ looks like the play in this one.

Allen Eastman was the Doc’s Sports Advisory Board leader for NBA picks last season, helping $100 bettors earn more than $5,000. He has had back-to-back winning nights and is looking for more on Wednesday. Eastman has been in the sports betting business for decades and his NBA handicapping system is a must for any NBA bettor that is serious about making money this season. Early Bird specials will be posted soon, so check our homepage regularly. Also, check our home page daily updated NBA lines, NBA betting articles and daily matchup reports.