How quick can the Sacramento Kings turn around and erase the memories of a 31-point loss? Here's the betting preview and where to watch Kings-Mavs.
This is a daunting Texas gauntlet for the Sacramento Kings.
First they must overcome a 31-point defeat at the hands of the Houston Rockets in a span of 24 hours. But they get the Dallas Mavericks next on Thursday night.
Fortunately for Sacramento, the Kings have beaten the Mavs before -- 113-107 at home back on Dec. 27.
Also fortunately for the Kings, they've watched the sudden emergence of Daeqwon Plowden into a valuable two-way asset. The 6-foot-4 guard has become a rare scoring and defensive presence for Doug Christie and company.
Yet on the downside for the Kings, they're still the underdog here. FanDuel Sports lists Dallas as the 7.5-point favorite here.
But this game comes off as a potential matchup of teams picking first in the NBA Draft.
Dallas surprisingly claimed the top pick in last year's lottery even with its 39-43 record. Cooper Flagg came out of that scenario (Flagg has battled injuries his rookie season, though, and he's not expected to play with his foot sprain).
Sacramento remains the proverbial favorite to land the No. 1 pick given its league-worst record of 13-47. However, the lottery system doesn't guarantee that the Kings will lock in the top pick -- as teams are plucked from a lottery ball machine. Sacramento can still lose the No. 1 spot to the Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets, or even the Mavs.
One thing that's certain on the Kings' side? Keegan Murray likely won't be available. Murray landed awkwardly on his ankle and exited the Wednesday game with a sprain. This will likely mean more Plowden, and Nique Clifford for the Kings.
It'll also mean a heavy dosage of DeMar DeRozan to try and carry the scoring load. The latter has now cracked the top 20 of the all-time scoring list -- surpassing NBA champion Paul Pierce at No. 20 against the Rockets.
Given Flagg's absence, the Kings could be at an advantage here to return to the win column. But they still have Naji Marshall, Marvin Bagley III and Brandon Williams to deal with on the scoring side.
NBC Sports California once again will carry the coverage of the contest. But signs are pointing to Sacramento taking a 48th defeat this season -- and increase its chances of landing the top pick.
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