Knicks vs Kings Picks and Predictions: Barrett Aids Knicks Cause With Assists

The Sacramento Kings are set to take on the New York Knicks in what promises to be an exciting NBA matchup tonight.

This is the second time these two teams will meet this season, with the Knicks coming out on top in the first matchup by a score of 112-99. However, both teams have really elevated their game since that Dec. 11 affair, making this tilt difficult to predict.

With the Kings' high-scoring offense and the Knicks' solid all-around team, fans can expect an intense battle on the court. As always, bettors are eager to cash in on this game, and we're here to break down some of the top betting markets.

Find out your best options with our free NBA picks and predictions for Knicks vs. Kings on Thursday, March 9.

Knicks vs Kings best odds

Knicks vs Kings picks and predictions

If you're looking for a solid NBA betting option for tonight's Knicks vs Kings game, look no further than RJ Barrett to dish out more than 2.5 assists.

The Kings have been one of the biggest surprises of the season, but their defense is their Achilles' heel. They rank 25th in the league in defensive rating, and surrender 26.3 assists per game to opponents, which is the third-worst mark in the NBA. This is a clear indication that the Kings allow their opponents to move the ball well and score.

This is where Barrett comes in. While he enters tonight's game averaging just under three assists per game, he has notched six or more assists in each of his last two games against Sacramento. This suggests that Barrett has found a way to exploit the Kings' weak defense and rack up assists.

Barrett has been playing a little better lately, and his confidence is always high. In his last five games, he has averaged 2.4 assists per game, which is right around the mark for tonight. With his recent form and previous success against the Kings, it's reasonable to expect him to continue dishing out assists tonight, especially with the way the Knicks’ offense has been rolling.

New York has reached at least 115 points in eight of their last 10 overall. Julius Randle has been front-and-center in that span, so Barrett should be looking his way.

Overall, the Kings' weak defense and tendency to surrender assists to opponents, combined with Barrett's recent form and success against Sacramento, make him a strong bet to distribute at least three helpers.

My best bet: RJ Barrett Over 2.5 assists (-140 at DraftKings)

Knicks vs Kings spread analysis

The Kings opened as four-point favorites over the Knicks at most sportsbooks, but the line has come down to around 2.5 as of Thursday afternoon.

The Knicks are facing a tough challenge on the road against the Kings, who are currently the top offense in the NBA. The Knicks will also be coming off a terrible loss against the Charlotte Hornets, which could affect their performance tonight. 

New York had to deal with a great deal of fatigue in the Hornets game, as two of their key players –  Immanuel Quickley and Randle – played an astronomical 101 minutes in total in their previous contest against the Boston Celtics.

However, the Knicks have performed well in their last six games against teams with a winning record, going 6-0 ATS. This may give some bettors pause before placing their bets on the Kings.

Sacramento is also 5-11-1 ATS in its last 17 games against teams with a winning record.

Knicks vs Kings Over/Under analysis

The Over/Under for tonight's Knicks vs Kings game is set at 239.5, and it's no surprise considering the Kings' tendency for high-scoring games. With a No. 1 offensive rating and a first-place ranking in the NBA in true shooting percentage, the Kings are likely to put up some serious points. However, it will be interesting to see if the Knicks, who rank 16th in defensive rating, can slow down the Kings' offense.

On the other hand, New York could pose a problem for the Kings on the boards. Their 12.5 offensive rebounds per game are the third-most in the league. Additionally, if Jalen Brunson is available tonight, it could be another factor pushing the game to hit the Over. Brunson brings a lot of offense and cohesion to the Knicks' game plan, which could contribute to an even higher-scoring tilt.

It's worth noting that the Over is 3-0-1 in Sacramento's last four games following an ATS win. All in all, the Over/Under for tonight's Knicks vs Kings game is set at a high number for good reason, and both teams' strengths and weaknesses suggest it could be an action-packed, high-scoring game.

Knicks vs Kings betting trend to know

The Over is 6-0 in the Knicks’ last six road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Kings.

Knicks vs Kings game info

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