New York Knicks vs Sacramento Kings Predictions, Odds, Picks

• Having lost 8 of their last 10, the Knicks now sit 12th in the Eastern Conference.
• Having alternated wins and losses in their last 5 games, the Kings look to climb out from 13th in the West.
• The Knicks won their earlier meeting with the Kings this season.

New York Knicks vs Sacramento Kings Odds

The Knicks are trying to overcome one of their worst down streaks of the season. The Kings haven’t been much better, but they’ve shown their competitive spirit as of late. On the second leg of a back-to-back, the Knicks are at a clear disadvantage.

Pick:

Sacramento Kings def. New York Knicks

Head-to-Head: New York Knicks vs Sacramento Kings

Injury Report

How can the Knicks beat the Kings?

The New York Knicks need to get back on the winning track. If they hope to beat the Sacramento Kings, they’ll need to buck the trends of their recent losing streak.

Over the course of the Knicks’ losing streak, they are allowing their opponents to shoot 47.6% from the field on 25.6 assisted baskets out of 40.7 made field goals. The Knicks’ defensive pressure is weak, forcing just 10.9 turnovers per game.

New York will be taking on one of the league’s “weaker” teams in the Kings, but they can’t be complacent. Given Sacramento’s struggles from deep this season, the Knicks may get some reprieve on the defensive end. However, they must remain aggressive defending the paint.

Knicks Key Player: (G-F) RJ Barrett

RJ Barrett’s scored 23+ in 8 of his last 11 games ? pic.twitter.com/xA0fLFK6n1

— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) February 27, 2022

The New York Knicks want to rely on their rising star RJ Barrett, but he’s yet to show he can handle the burden of being the number one option. Barrett’s efficiency is the most telling sign of the Knicks’ success.

Barrett’s performance in victories is highlighted by his 44.1% shooting from the field and 41.1% from three. He averages fewer points per game, by a small margin, but his conversion rate more than makes up for it.

In four post-All-Star break games, Barrett’s usage rate has increased from 26.1% to 34.3%. He is averaging 30.0 points over those games, but he must find a way to find his points in optimized fashion.

How can the Kings beat the Knicks?

The Sacramento Kings are looking to build off of what was a disappointing, but encouraging loss to the Dallas Mavericks. When they face the New York Knicks, the Kings need to keep their efficiency in check and maintain their effort through four quarters.

The Kings only have 24 wins, but they find most of their success when they are efficient and aggressive from the field. In victories, the Kings shoot 50.1% from the field, while getting to the free throw line 24.1 times.

With Sabonis in the fold, the Kings’ passing game has improved, on top of their general efficiency. The Knicks are tough in the paint, but struggle to contain shooters. Sacramento needs to convert on open opportunities, despite ranking 24th in the league from deep.

Kings Key Player: (G) De’Aaron Fox

De’Aaron Fox ??
Career-high 44 PTS (18/31 FG), 6 AST@swipathefox is averaging 28.3 PTS, 6.1 AST, 52% FG over his last 11 gamespic.twitter.com/O8202PtnHJ

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 6, 2022

The Sacramento Kings continue to struggle, but it seems that they’ve started to find a rhythm with Sabonis. Now one of the longer tenured Kings, De’Aaron Fox showed that he still has a lot of give for Sacramento.

In his most recent game, a narrow loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Fox was brilliant. In 40 minutes of play, Fox posted 44 points, 6 assists, and made 3 of his 4 three-point field goal attempts. When aggressive, there are few teams that can slow Fox down.

The Knicks are such a poor defensive team, there’s not much to suggest that Fox will struggle against them. If he can set the pace and overcome the Knicks’ shot-blocker early, Fox can get Sacramento on the winning track.

How to Watch New York Knicks vs Sacramento Kings