NBA Odds: King’s New Season Questions

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NBA ODDS: What Are the Kings Made OF,  Questions for the New Season?

The Sacramento Kings face a new challenge after a complex season finale affected by injuries, which impacted their attempt to build on their first playoff appearance in 17 years. Although they won 46 games and a play-in game, it was a step back from their third-place finish in the 2022-23 season. With DeMar DeRozan joining the team, here are three critical questions for the Kings. These questions could determine how bettors respond to the NBA Odds.

1. Can the team get back to the free-throw line?

The Kings’ success in 2022-23 was mainly due to their high-powered offense, but last season, they dropped to 13th, scoring 4.1 fewer points per game. The main reason for this decline relates to free throws. In 2022-23, the Kings averaged 19.8 free throws per game on 25.1 attempts. In 2023-24, those numbers fell to 15.5 free throws on 20.9 attempts, and their shooting percentage was the worst in the league at 74.5%. Harrison Barnes saw the most significant drop in free throws from 4.3 to 1.9 points per game.

The arrival of DeRozan could be essential. The six-time All-Star averaged 7.7 free throw attempts per game last season and had an 85.3% shooting percentage. While DeRozan has not been a standout three-point shooter, he has improved his outside shooting ability. He could resolve the Kings’ biggest offensive problem if he continues aggressively seeking fouls.

2. How will the two superstars perform in clutch moments?

De’Aaron Fox won the NBA’s first Clutch Player of the Year Award in 2022-23, while DeRozan finished third in the voting that year and second last season. Both are highly effective in the closing moments of games. Fox is hard to stop when driving to the basket, while DeRozan can find his spot and take the shot he wants. With their different offensive styles, the team has the advantage of having not one but two weapons to close out games.

Although both are excellent in tight situations, only one ball still exists. It will be interesting to see how the Kings adjust in their final plays and how they determine the hierarchy among their key players. The Kings should be able to find their rhythm since Coby White and DeRozan formed a great combination in crucial moments with the Bulls last season.

3. Can this team maintain a respectable defense?

The Kings were ranked 25th in defense in the NBA in 2022-23 but improved to 14th last year. They have great offensive potential, featuring stars like Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray, and Malik Monk. An average defense should make this team a contender. There must be a balance between offense and defense to go far in the postseason, although it is often said that good defense wins championships. 

Head coach Mike Brown will need to work on making the defense respectable. While Sabonis is an excellent offensive center, he could be a better rim protector. At 35, DeRozan has never been a standout defender; the same goes for Kevin Huerter. They will need Murray to step up defensively and for bench players like Keon Ellis and Trey Lyles to contribute on defense. Sacramento compensates for some deficiencies with excellent rebounding, particularly from two-time champion Sabonis.

Brown’s challenge will motivate his players, something he has accomplished in his two seasons. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Kings adjusted their starting lineup to include Ellis and moved Huerter to the bench. The Kings’ defense doesn’t need to be spectacular to return to the playoffs, but it also cannot be deficient.