Kings at Rockets: Betting odds, point spread for Saturday matinee
As part of the NBA’s plan to reduce travel this season during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rockets host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday afternoon in a quick rematch of Thursday’s close victory by Houston. If you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck!
We have the latest point spread, moneyline odds, and over-under numbers for the Rockets versus Kings clash, as well as all the information you’ll need to make the smartest bets on BetMGM.
In Thursday’s game, James Harden led the Rockets with 33 points and eight assists as Houston used a clutch run late in the fourth quarter to push past Sacramento, 122-119 (box score). The win improved the Rockets to 1-2 on the regular season, while dropping the Kings to 3-2.
Playing in his first regular-season game in over two calendar years, John Wall led Houston in assists with nine and finished second in scoring with 22 points. Meanwhile, his perimeter defense helped limit rising Kings star De’Aaron Fox into a 9-of-23 shooting night (39.1%) on New Year’s Eve.
Christian Wood added 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Eric Gordon scored an efficient 17 points on 50% shooting off Houston’s bench.
The Kings had a balanced scoring attack on Thursday, led by Harrison Barnes with 24 points (57.1% FG). Fox and Richaun Holmes each scored 22, while Buddy Hield added 19 on five made 3-pointers.
The Kings will be missing rookie guard Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a bone bruise on his left wrist during Thursday’s game. Meanwhile, the Rockets remain without reserve guard Ben McLemore, who is self-isolating after reportedly testing positive for COVID-19.
The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
Point spread: Rockets -5.5 (+100), Kings +5.5 (-120)
Moneyline: Rockets -200/Kings +165
Over-under: 234.5 (-115 O, -105 U)
Player O/U Scoring Props: James Harden 31.5 (-115 O, -110 U), John Wall 21.5 (-120 O, -105 U), Christian Wood 19.5 (-110 O, -110 U); De’Aaron Fox 23.5 (-115 O, -110 U), Buddy Hield 20.5 (-110 O, -110 U), Marvin Bagley III 14.5 (-120 O, -105 U)
Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN, and WV at BetMGM.
Advice and prediction
Harden has eclipsed Saturday’s over/under figure of 31.5 in each of his three games in the 2020-21 season, and there’s no reason to expect a big decline on Saturday. In fact, Harden’s game-high 33 points on Thursday — with 16 in a frantic final four minutes — came despite “The Beard” largely looking out of sync over the initial three-and-a-half quarters.
If Harden returns to his usual level of All-Star consistency on Saturday, those points could come earlier, and Houston might not need that type of closing flurry to claim another victory at Toyota Center.
Prediction: 119-109, Rockets
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.
Related
Rockets give game ball to Stephen Silas for first win as head coach
Rockets center Christian Wood joins elite list with start to 2020-21 season
List
Rockets reaction: James Harden leads decisive closing run vs. Kings
