Sacramento Kings at Portland Trail Blazers Pick
Our Sacramento Kings at Portland Trail Blazers pick is for Wednesday, October 20, 2021. This is the first game of the 2021-22 NBA season for both teams. The Trail Blazers are favored at -6.5 (-110), while the Kings are the underdog at +7.0 (-117). Last season, Sacramento finished at 31-41. They were fifth in the Pacific Division and 12th in the Western Conference. The Kings did not make the postseason. On the other hand, Portland won 42 and lost 30 games. There were third in the Northwest and sixth in the conference. In the playoffs, the Blazers lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first Round four games to two.
Kings vs Trail Blazers – Frontcourt
At center, the Blazers have an edge. Portland’s Jusuf Nurkic is a premium two-way player. Additionally, he’s a 50-plus percent shooter in the paint and has a 40-percent success rate from downtown. Nurkic is also a fine playmaker. For the Kings, center Richaun Holmes is a hard working grinder with a 63-plus percent inside shot and massive shot-blocking skills. However, he lacks the versatility that Nurkic brings to the court.
Our Sacramento Kings at Portland Trail Blazers pick finds that power forward Maurice Harkless and small forward Harrison Barnes are both solid performers. Both offer stability and dependability to the Sacramento frontcourt. For the Trail Blazers, power forward Robert Covington brings solid defense and an accurate three-point shot. At small forward Norman Powell is a sound two-way performer.
Frontcourt Edge - Portland due to Nurkic
Backcourt - Sacramento Kings at Portland Trail Blazers Pick
Sacramento point guard De'Aaron Fox is exceptionally speedy. He can penetrate, set up outside, and dish off with aplomb. Fox, who’s also a tough defender, can be a difference maker. He’s starting his fifth NBA season. At shooting guard, Tyrese Haliburton, who’s in his second NBA season, is a dead-on shooter. Along with shooting over 47 percent from the field, Haliburton is good on 41 percent of his threes.
The one thing that the Blazers have in their backcourt that the Kings don’t have in experience. Point guard Damian Lillard starts his tenth NBA season, while shooting guard C.J. McCollum is in his ninth. Together last season, they averaged 51.9 PPG. The excel on offense. However, on D, give the edge to Fox and Haliburton. Note, they are both excellent foul shooter with Lillard hitting 93 percent of his charity attempts and McCollum 81.2 percent.
Backcourt Edge - Portland, as at this point in the season experience tops youth
Sacramento Kings at Portland Trail Blazers Pick – Prediction
Our Sacramento Kings at Portland Trail Blazers pick finds that the home team looks a tad better than the visitors. Portland brings versatility to the floor. On the other hand, the Sacramento backcourt possesses an overwhelming dynamic that can be a game changer. Still, we think Portland’s veteran presence in the guard spots will pay off. Our Sacramento Kings at Portland Trail Blazers projection is the Trail Blazers at -6.5 (-110)
This October 20, 2021 NBA contest is scheduled for 10 pm ET. Before placing your Kings vs Trail Blazers bet, check out our reviews of quality US sports betting sites. Additionally, use our Smart Betting Guide, which includes a chapter on smart money NBA betting. Finally, bookmark Sports Betting Smarts now and check out our daily and weekly free picks.
Sacramento Kings at Portland Trail Blazers – Summary
Portland Trail Blazers - Spread at -6.5 (-110)
