2024-25 Sacramento Kings Predictions and Odds to Win NBA Finals
The Sacramento Kings are looking to make a statement in the Western Conference. They have a wonderful combination of rising stars and proven NBA veterans on their squad. The Kings had a busy offseason over the summer. However, were the moves they made the right ones? Sacramento is desperate for their first playoff series win since 2004. Will this be the year they finally take the next step towards an NBA championship?
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Sacramento Kings Offseason Recap
The Sacramento Kings were unable to build on their third-place finish in the Western Conference in 2022-23, missing the playoffs last year. The front office knew that changes had to be made, and the Kings took a big swing by landing DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls. The Kings had to give up Harrison Barnes to land DeRozan, but that is a small price to pay for a player of DeRozan’s caliber.
DeMar DeRozan is one of the most consistent NBA scorers, scoring 20+ PPG in 11 consecutive seasons with three different teams. He will always be remembered as a Raptor, but he actually had his most successful seasons on the stat sheet in Chicago. Despite playing in Chicago from ages 32-35, DeRozan appeared to get better in recent years. He has been commanding the floor like never before, and the introduction of the 3-ball has turned him into a truly multi-level scorer. DeRozan can still stick a mid-range shot like few others in the NBA. And even at 35 years old, he is one of the best players in the league. He will probably be forced to play a majority of his minutes at small forward for the Kings. His 6-foot-6 frame will allow him to be effective all over the court, and his leadership will make his teammates better too.
The loss of Barnes isn’t devastating, but it will still change how the Kings play this season. Barnes started all 82 games for Sacramento last year and was a valuable asset on both ends of the court. He played stout defense for the Kings and was building his confidence from deep in the latter stages of the season. The Kings made a few other moves on their bench, but a majority of their starting lineup remains the same as last year apart from DeRozan sliding in for Barnes.
Sacramento Kings Season Expectations
The Kings are in an interesting spot right now. By signing DeRozan in the offseason, they are signaling they are ready to challenge for an NBA title. Their high seed two years ago filled the franchise with confidence, but a lackluster run down the stretch cost them a playoff spot last season. They went 6-8 in their last 14 games last year, sliding down from 6th all the way to 10th.
This season, the Kings will look to get back into the playoffs with a tantalizing roster. De’Aaron Fox led the team with a career best 26.6 PPG last season and will create a devastating offensive pairing with DeRozan. Fox’s contributions don’t end there, as his 2.0 steals per game led the league.
While all eyes will be on Fox and DeRozan, the Kings season rests firmly on the shoulders of Domantas Sabonis. He led the league by a wide margin with 13.7 rebounds per game last year, and his 8.2 assists had him 6th. His ability to contribute in all aspects of the offense is what transformed the Kings into legitimate title contenders. His pick and roll game is strong. And now that Sabonis has added a 3 point shot to his game, he becomes virtually impossible to slow down. If the Kings can finish in the top half of the league defensively, this well-rounded offense should have no problems carrying them into the postseason.
Sacramento Kings Schedule Breakdown
The Kings have a difficult start to the season, with the Timberwolves and Lakers being their first two opponents. There is no doubt about the highlight of their schedule, as they get the privilege of spending the holidays with their families. The Kings play eight home games from December 8th through January 3rd, with a quick trip to Los Angeles the only interruption. The Kings have a six-game road trip in the final month of the season before wrapping up the year with a trio of home games against the Nuggets, Clippers, and Suns.
Sacramento Kings Odds
The Sacramento Kings have a 46.5 win total this year, which is right in line with their 48 and 46 win campaigns in the last two seasons. Their offseason additions have undoubtedly made them a better team. However, an ultra-competitive Western Conference ensures there will be very few easy wins on their schedule. The Kings are -155 to make the playoffs and have +6000 odds to win the NBA championship. A championship could be too much to ask for the Kings, as the franchise would be happy with a moderate playoff run after decades of drought.
In the NBA Cup, the Kings are in West Group A with the Timberwolves, Clippers, Rockets, and Trail Blazers. They are +225 to finish on top of the group and have +2500 odds to bring home the NBA Cup.
2024-25 Sacramento Kings Season Predictions and Best Bets
The Kings have a great chance to end their playoff drought, and I expect them to have a very successful regular season. A majority of their roster has been able to avoid any serious injuries throughout their respective careers, and staying healthy is one of the biggest factors with regular season win totals. I expect the Kings to finish 51-31 this year, easily clearing their 46.5 win total. DeRozan continues to play exceptional basketball, and there is no reason to suddenly expect his efficiency to drop. Fox and Sabonis have been quite the tandem in Sacramento, and the league will be put on notice when the Kings are streaking up the standings.
Their odds are a little short in the NBA Cup, but I wouldn’t blame you if you sprinkled on their +6000 NBA championship odds. There is no doubting this line has value, but I just don’t see the Kings being able to translate their regular season success into playoff accolades.
Top Pick: Sacramento Kings Over 46.5 Wins -110
Pick: Sacramento Kings to Make the Playoffs -155
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