Cooper Albers takes you through his preview, prediction and pick for Sunday’s NBA matchup between the Sacramento Kings and Detroit Pistons.
Sunday’s NBA slate tips off in Motor City, where the Detroit Pistons host the Sacramento Kings at Little Caesars Arena.
The Kings (12–34, 14th West) recently built some momentum but have since lost four straight, capped by a Friday night loss in Cleveland. Meanwhile, the Pistons (32–11, 1st East) have won seven of their last nine but are looking to rebound from Friday’s home loss to the Rockets.
The teams first met on Dec. 23 in Sacramento, where the Pistons rolled to a 136–127 victory.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
Sacramento Kings
Out: Keegan Murray (Ankle)
Questionable: Zach LaVine (Back)
Detroit Pistons
Probable: Cade Cunningham (Wrist)
Doubtful: Caris LeVert (Illness)
Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. ET. Detroit enters as a heavy 13.5-point home favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Sacramento sits as a +550 underdog. The game’s total is set at 226.5 points.
Kings vs. Pistons Preview
Sacramento Kings Preview
The Kings recently flashed signs of life with a four-game winning streak, featuring upsets over the Rockets, Lakers, and Knicks. But the magic didn’t last long, and they head into Sunday’s contest on a four-game skid.
Sacramento pairs a lifeless offense with a porous defense, producing the NBA’s 29th-ranked net rating.
The squad has primarily relied on an aging backcourt comprising Zach LaVine (questionable), DeMar DeRozan, and Russell Westbrook — a formidable unit, if it were six years ago. But while burgeoning forward Keegan Murray remains sidelined, Sacramento has received a strong boost from the return of Domantas Sabonis. The three-time All-Star dropped 24 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists on Friday against the Cavs, albeit in a loss.
Detroit Pistons Preview
There are no easy buckets in Motor City. Detroit sits atop the Eastern Conference, boasting a top-three net rating fueled by one of the NBA’s most tenacious defenses.
The Bad Boys rank second in defensive rating, points allowed, and opponent field-goal percentage — while leading the league in both blocks and steals per game.
They’re no slouches on the other end, either. Former first overall pick Cade Cunningham was recently named an All-Star starter, pouring in 25.3 points with an NBA-leading 9.7 assists per game. He’s flanked by surging big man Jalen Duren, who averages a 17.8-point double-double.
Kings vs. Pistons Pick, Best Bet
The Pistons rolled to a nine-point victory in Sacramento and will now welcome the Kings to their backyard. Detroit owns a 17–5 record at home, while the Kings have won just three games outside of California’s capital city — still searching for their first road win since Dec. 6.
Expect Cunningham and Duren to carve up Sacramento’s non-existent defense and power a spread-covering victory in front of the revved-up Motor City faithful.